The Black Duke once again ready for tasking

Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth has marked the end of a 20 month refit following a successful Fleet Date Inspection in Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport on Friday 18 September 15.

HMS Monmouth, known informally as ‘The Black Duke’ after James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, has recently returned to Devonport following extensive sea trials where Her array of upgraded weapon systems and sensors were fully proven and made ready for operational use.

The Commanding Officer, Cdr Philip Tilden said: “To get this far, on time and ready for future tasking has taken a significant effort from not only the skilled and motivated people that I am honoured to work alongside, but also from our partners in this enterprise, most notably Babcock Marine.

"‘The Black Duke’ is now materially world class and after a period of training and consolidation is looking forward to doing our bit towards protecting the nation’s interests well into the next decade."