IT was all shipshape at Rosyth Dockyard as Princess Anne visited HMS Venturer.
She is the sponsor of the Royal Navy's newest frigate and met those responsible for constructing the UK's first type 31 warship.
Her Royal Highness also met the sailors charged with breathing life into the 455ft vessel as she toured the shipbuilding assembly facility - named Venturer Hall - and Venturer herself.
“It is an honour for HMS Venturer to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as the ship’s sponsor,” said Commander Chris Cozens, the new frigate’s senior naval officer.
“Her Royal Highness is an inspirational person and befitting as the figure head to lead the type 31 Inspiration class into service alongside the ship’s company.
“Today’s visit comes at a transitional period between the final large sections being lifted into place in the build hall and the beginning of the fitting out before a launch at the end of the year.
"We welcome Her Royal Highness once again into the Royal Navy family.”
The frigate is more than two years into her construction - work began in October 2021 - with the hull and much of the superstructure complete in a cavernous, state-of-the-art assembly facility where defence firm Babcock is building all five vessels in the type 31 Inspiration class as part of a £1.25 billion contract.
When completed, the warships will perform widespread duties around the globe: anything from operating independently on maritime security patrols to escorting the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier strike groups to operating side-by-side with the UK’s partners and allies.
READ MORE: Josh keeps HMS Venturer on an even keel
As ship’s sponsor, the princess will have an opportunity to be the guest of honour at key moments in HMS Venturer’s life, such as the naming and commissioning ceremonies, and will receive regular updates on her deeds and the activities of around 115 men and women on board.
Babcock chief executive officer David Lockwood, said it was a "privilege" to welcome The Princess Royal to the Rosyth site.
He added: “The Inspiration class is an important addition to the UK’s defence and as capability partner, Babcock is proudly delivering these vessels to the Royal Navy fleet, while providing many opportunities in the UK supply chain and within local communities, including more than 1,000 new job opportunities here at Rosyth in the next four years.”
READ MORE: MoD and Babcock in dispute over increasing cost of building five warships
To complete the visit, Her Royal Highness presented two long service and good conduct medals to two of the ship’s company, including Leading Hand Adam Duncan, the ship’s newest and most junior member.
Before leaving Rosyth, she joined the ship’s company in front of the frigate’s bow for a group photograph.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel