The UK Royal Navy’s HMS Iron Duke has entered the final phase of its life extension (LIFEX) program.
A ceremony commemorating the occasion was led by Babcock International at HMNB Devonport Frigate Refit Complex in Plymouth, UK. It was attended by the vessel’s returning crew of 160 sailors.
According to the Royal Navy, the concluding chapter will focus on a considerable refit of the ship’s naval warfare capabilities, operations, and engineering to prepare it for deployment next year.
The Duke-class frigate will also be integrated with various communication and navigation updates, Sea Venom and Martlet anti-ship guided weapons, and a Sea Ceptor air defense missile system.
“I am extremely proud of the work that has been completed by my ship’s company and all supporting partners to get us to this point,” Commanding Officer Charlie Wheen said.
“This is an exciting milestone; the first step on our journey back to sea and the moment we start breathing life back into the ship.”
HMS Iron Duke Life Extension
HMS Iron Duke is the first to benefit from Operation Baton, which transfers the crew of a vessel starting overhaul work to support a separate ship near completion.
For the latest setup, HMS Argyll’s personnel assisted the HMS Iron Duke sailors. Argyll entered its LIFEX revamp work in August.
“It has been a real team effort during the ship’s restoration and upgrade,” Babcock Marine Support Managing Director Gary Simpson explained.
“During her time in dry dock HMS Iron Duke has had more than 1700 structural inserts fitted to the vessel, two times more than any other previous refit we’ve undertaken during the Type 23 Life Extension Programme.“
“We’re delighted to see the crew return to the frigate and we’re looking forward to working with them as we support the final phase of her upkeep and commissioning before she heads out for sea trials.”