Hundreds of families and friends joined the crew of HMS Monmouth last month in Plymouth to formally celebrate the ship’s return to operational service.

A rededication service was held at HM Naval Base, Devonport, with a Royal Marines Band, VIPs from the ship’s affiliate area of Monmouth in South Wales and a formal parade in front of an audience of about 300 proud families, former serving personnel from the ship and other military and civilian guests.

HMS Monmouth was berthed at a jetty next to the event dressed with ceremonial pennants from bow to stern to mark the beginning of her renewed operational life, having undergone major refit and upgrade.

Commander Philip Tilden, the ship’s captain, said: “Looking back we should be rightly proud of what has been achieved to return the ship into the fleet as fighting fit. Today has been a wonderful opportunity to mark this significant occasion and invite all those who have supported the ship throughout her life, as well as families and friends. Now we look to the future – as she is now ready to sail into the 21st century in service of the nation.’’

The upgrade in Plymouth, by Babcock Marine, has included 17 tonnes of steel covering 220 square metres of steel and over 1km of welding. Also, 29 different equipment updates were conducted including the new 3-D air surveillance radar, the Sea Wolf defence missile system and a new command and control combat system (the brains of the ship). The ship is now fit to take on what ever operational tasking is required in any part of the world, whether war-fighting or humanitarian - potentially for 20 more years.

Cdr Tilden said the ship was only as good as the people who serve on her and the ceremony was a good chance for them to come together with their families to mark the achievements so far and to thank them for their support, including for the future.

The parade was overseen by His Grace the Duke of Buccleuth and Queensbury (a descendant of the Duke of Monmouth) while Cdr Tilden read the rededication warrant. The parade divisions of sailors were inspected by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Sir Simon Boyle, the Mayor of Monmouth Graham Pritchard and the Vice Chairman of Monmouth County Council Jim Higginson. The Duke presented the ‘Black Duke’ Award (the ship’s informal name) to Able Seaman Kevin Joseph for his proactive performance to the benefit the whole ship.

A traditional rededication cake was cut at the event by the youngest member of the crew Engineering Technician Dylan Anderson, who said: “HMS Monmouth is my first ship and I’m really enjoying being part of the team. I’m looking forward to the trips we’ve got coming up.’’

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Ainsley, the ship’s second-in command and parade commander, said: “Today is a fitting celebration of our progress and it is wonderful to be able to share it with all those who have played their own special part. Rededication is an important event and I am hopeful this one will linger in the memory of all those who attended.’’

The ship is now ready to operate in UK and European waters under the full command of the Fleet Commander, conducting maritime security operations as well as continuing to train collectively ahead of a future overseas deployment.

Two staff and four cadets from the Ross and Monmouth Sea Cadets were invited to attend the Rededication Service of HMS Monmouth at Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth. Due to the early start, accommodation was found in the Junior Rates’ Mess of HMS Drake.

The cadets arrived at 8.30am and were met by Lieutenant Craig McBriety and were then shown around before being briefed on their role for the day by the ship’s executive officer.  The cadets were detailed to be the piping party and were to pipe aboard all the VIPs, including the mayor of Monmouth.

Once everyone had arrived, they were able to take their seats to watch the service. The service involved a short ceremony involving a guard and the inspection of the ship’s company. There was also a very short religious service followed by cutting of a cake.

Everyone was then able to enjoy the refreshments provided and the cadets able to secure a short tour of the ship.

Assembly Member Nick Ramsay also attended the re-dedication of HMS

Monmouth.

The Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries were also present to mark this important day for the ship being formally returned to the fleet after two years of refit and trials.

Speaking after the event Nick said: “Monmouth can be justly proud of the ship that bears its name, and our links with HMS Monmouth/ The Black Duke, are strong and lasting.

“I was honoured to be asked to inspect the platoon during my visit. The crew certainly are a tribute to their families and their country, and the ship looks superb following its refit which will stand it in good stead for the next tour of duty.

“It was also good to catch up with the staff of Kingstone Brewery from Tintern, who supply HMS Monmouth with Real Ale, including Black Duke Ale specifically made for the ship.

“I wish HMS Monmouth all the best over the coming months, and I look forward to welcoming the ship to Cardiff in the Spring next year.”