The British Royal Navy's Duke-class Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose has successfully completed its machinery and weapons trials at sea.
The vessel has now returned to Plymouth three weeks after departing from dry dock, where it underwent an extensive three-year upgrade programme.
HMS Montrose was driven to its top speed and manoeuvred to simulate extreme weather conditions during the trials, and crew members were made accustomed to living and working on-board a warship at sea.
The tests also included weapon firing exercises involving specialists and the crew's personnel, who handled the operations room constantly throughout the trial period.
Additionally, HMS Montrose physical training instructor Melanie Haslam carried out daily circuit training exercises on-board the vessel's flight deck.
The frigate is now set to undergo various additional works in Plymouth before sailing to sea to begin further trials.
HMS Montrose returned to sea on 7 July following its three-year refit, which began in 2014. The vessel had been in service with the navy for 25 years prior to the refurbishment works.
The upgrade programme was coordinated by Babcock Marine at its Devonport Royal Dockyard, and saw the frigate equipped with the latest Sea Ceptor missile system, as well as numerous other upgrades to enhance its performance for the next 15 years of service.
A total of £36m has been invested to maintain the capability of HMS Montrose until the ship is replaced by the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates.
Image: The British Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate, HMS Montrose. Photo: courtesy of Royal Navy.
