HMS Northumberland returned to Plymouth on Sunday after a lengthy deployment that saw the frigate sail nearly the globe’s circumference in 2023.
The Type 23 Frigate had been actively operating in the Arctic, Baltic, and North Atlantic regions.
According to the Royal Navy here, HMS Northumberland covered an impressive 23,043 miles on the high seas since the start of the year, during which it engaged in locating Russian units and safeguarding UK waters.
Additionally, the Type 23 frigate collaborated with NATO allies for submarine-hunting drills in the North Atlantic, patrolled the High North, and worked in tandem with the US Navy’s colossal aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, within the Arctic Circle.
“I have once again been profoundly impressed by the selfless commitment and tactical excellence that my ship’s company has demonstrated across the length and breadth of our operating area,” Commander Will Edwards-Bannon, Northumberland’s Commanding Officer, was quoted here as saying.
He expressed gratitude towards the families and friends supporting their mission and was pleased to witness the warm welcome HMS Northumberland received upon return.
While on deployment, the frigate visited countries such as Denmark, Iceland, and Norway amidst its operations. The 200 sailors onboard consumed an impressive 82,500 meals, including 40,320 sausages and roughly 8,000 eggs.
Of significant note, in the waters between Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, HMS Northumberland participated in Exercise Dynamic Mongoose – a NATO cold water anti-submarine warfare exercise. The aim was to bolster allies’ prowess in detecting and neutralizing subsurface threats. Post the exercise, the frigate was tasked with monitoring Russian warships, Vice-Admiral Kulakov and Admiral Levchenko, as they ventured near UK waters.
In Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, the crew of HMS Northumberland commemorated His Majesty The King’s Coronation. They hosted a flight deck ‘street party’ for sailors from allied warships and aided the British embassy’s endeavours.
Congrats, Northumberland!
I wonder if Northumberland is about to go into a major refit. Hopefully that would suggests St Albans will be working up soon, post LIFEX/PGMU. I read something about St Albans new crew doing outreach, for “team bonding” a few weeks ago, so there are some good signs.
If the refit isn’t until next year, might there be some bigger issues with ASW frigate numbers down the line?
I think she has to enter refit pronto, as frigate numbers will below absolute minimum requirements if they don’t.
That said, the problem with bringing more RFA’s to the front line (like Argus) will mean invariably increased levels of RN personnel on board.
The temptation of mooring up an additional T23, (that’s technically ‘in comission’ but not really )to avoid both the high T23 refit costs and release personnel for other tasking must be a strong one these days.
Whilst China continues with intent of expanding BRICS to include major resource &/or choke point states worldwide. The UK main investment focus must be on our naval surface, sub-surface & above surface fleet; & hard- learnt expertise in that environment. There are encouraging signs, but there still appears more Intention than Industry, with progress glacial – and thus often financially wasteful, as you indicate. Our GDP/PPP shows a decline against most NATO & other Allies, regardless. It’s not like our politicians and MoD aren’t acutely aware – hence all the massive amount of paperwork, reviews and gushing word production that… Read more »
HMS Northumberland slated for post LIFEX (including PGMU)? 🤔
Post-Lifex reift, it’s next on the list followed by Kent. PGMU, I don’t know.
Thanks for update; hope that PGMU for the T-23s w/ tails, does not run afoul of MoD bean counter machinations. 🤞
No plans for Hms Northumberland to get PGMU. She was next to be retired after Hms Westminster in 2029. Hms Cardiff, under build, is her replacement.
Thanks, appreciate update. Really hope RN has calculated transitions correctly between T-23, T-26 and T-31. Always believed that warships, as well as a/c, require reasonably reliable propulsion.
Hms Westminster’s crew will most likely been transferred to other T-23’s and some will join Hms Glasgow in due course.
👍
Interesting about food consumed, with a ratio of 5 sausages to every 1 egg.
I am in awe of any military or naval department as they uphold their duty to protect and defend us. The men and women are heroes and worthy of our admiration. We are still regarded as a strong military and naval force in the UK. Compared to other countries, our men and women are better trained and disciplined.