HMS Montrose back at sea after major refit

HMS Montrose has sailed through its first programme of testing after returning to the seas for the first time following a £36 million refit.

The Royal Navy frigate, which shares its name with the Angus town, has been equipped with a new missile system and computerised command centre.

It set sail from Plymouth on Friday for the first time since 2014 and crew members were put through a series of rigorous tests and conduct training.

Over a two-day period they responded to three overboard drills, three fire exercises, two switchboard drills, two machinery breakdown drills and flood exercises.

The ship also conducted a test firing of its small calibre guns, firing 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

It then Plymouth evening.

The commanding officer of HMS Montrose, Commander Conor O’Neill said: “It has been a testing weekendineverysense,buttheship’s company have risen to the challenge and proved that they are ready and eager to master the challenges of operating a complex warship.”

Over the next 12 weeks the ship’s equipment and personnel will be tested in order to prove that they are ready to rejoin the rest of the fleet later in the year.

Plans were recently announced for the warship to return to Montrose early next year when it hopes to exercise its Freedom of Angus, which will see its crew march through the town’s streets at some point during its week-long stay. dropped anchor in Sound on Sunday

HMS Montrose leaves Plymouth after its £36 million refit.