HMS Richmond on visit to Dublin, Ireland

It was a dreary and damp morning in Dublin port as HMS Richmond (F239) – a type 23 frigate – owned and operated by the Royal Navy paid a courtesy visit to Ireland, today 30th Oct 2009.

The type 23 frigate was designed and built in the late 70s to become the main anti-submarine warfare vessel. It carries a crew of 170 to operate along with an array of anti submarine weapons. It also houses a Merlin or Lynx helicopter that can be scrambled when its vast array of monitoring equipment indicate an enemy submarine.

HMS Richmond was launched in 1993 and joined the active fleet in October 1996. Since its first deployment in 1997 it has had an active role through her history.

It has visited many ports through out the globe and the most interesting being a visit to Vladivostock – the home of the Russian Pacific fleet. It was the first Royal Navy vessel to visit in over 100 years.

In a few days HMS Richmond, along with its rested crew, will depart Dublin port on its journey to the next phase of its operational schedule. Hopefully the boys and girls on board will enjoy the sights and night life in Dublin over the weekend.