The Royal Navy’s final Type 23 frigate, HMS Sutherland, was spotted on our live webcam in the Sound returning to sea after a 4-year life extension upgrade.
The Sutherland sailed out of the Sound on sea trials today for extensive training before rejoining the fleet that will see the ‘Fighting Clan’ in service until the mid-2030s along with her sister Devonport-based ships.
Sutherland underwent a full structural survey and major upgrade, including more than 800 inserts and 11,500 weld repairs, demanding more than five kilometres of welding, said the Ministry of Defence.
She is also the last ship in her class to receive the Sea Ceptor missile system—now proven in action after HMS Richmond downed drones in the Gulf last year.
Prior to her return to sea, Babcock handed over the ship to the Royal Navy in a small ceremony onboard before she continued down the River Tamar into Plymouth Sound today.
