HMS Monmouth (F235), the Royal Navy’s Type 23 Duke-class vessel, will undergo a major rennovation in Devonport, UK, in 2014.
The vessel will sail into Plymouth, UK, on 13 December for the final time in 12 months ahead of its upgrade programme.
To date, the ship had sailed more than half a million miles in a career spanning 20 years involving demanding tour of duty in the Gulf, as well as training and patrols around the UK.
HMS Monmouth commanding officer commander Gordon Ruddock said: "My time in command of HMS Monmouth has been extremely rewarding and I have been lucky enough to enjoy a vast array of experiences, from an operational deployment to returning to my home town during my tenure."
This year, HMS Monmouth visited 13 different ports in 12 different countries and fired more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
HMS Monmouth navigating officer, lieutenant Ed Phillips said: "During my time as navigator of HMS Monmouth I have made the trip through Plymouth Harbour more times than I can recall. However, knowing this will be my last will make it a very memorable occasion, and this will be a fond farewell to the ship which has served me so well over the last couple of years."
The refit programme aims to ensure that the HMS Monmouth will remain at the forefront of naval technology while serving well into the next decade for the Royal Navy.
Designed to provide anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the Type 23 ships are armed with vertical-launched Seawolf point missile defence system and the Boeing Harpoon surface-to-surface missile to support anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions.
Powered by a diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) system, comprising two Rolls Royce Spey SM1A 34,000hp gas turbines and two Alstom 1.5MW 4,400hp electric motors, the Swan Hunter and BAE Systems-built vessels can cruise at a maximum speed of 28k while carrying a crew of 185.
Image: Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopters train on HMS Monmouth. Photo: courtesy of Royal Navy.
