Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has achieved a significant milestone in the refit of the Type 23 HMS Richmond with the move back on board of the ship’s crew.

The move signalled the latest stage in the progress of the 18-month programme which is due to culminate in ship acceptance in September this year.

Although the return to the ship by the 170 crew presents an extra logistical challenge for the FSL team, their presence will be valuable in helping to set to work the various ship systems that have been upgraded during the docking.

Coinciding with the move back on board was the arrival of the ship’s new Commanding Officer Commander Piers Hurrell.

He commented: “There has been a considerable amount of work completed and the place is starting to feel like a working ship again. We look forward to FSL completing the remaining tasks and the start of sea trials at the end of June.”

The refit has combined major system and machinery upgrades with routine maintenance to make HMS Richmond one of the best equipped frigates in the Fleet.

She has become the latest Type 23 to be fitted with the upgraded 2087 towed array sonar and FSL has also fitted a new 4.5 inch Mark 8 mod 1 ‘Kryten’ gun with accompanying alterations below decks. In addition, the refit schedule has included a series of complex structural alterations and system improvements.