Confirmed: Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan heads into refit in Portsmouth after HMS Prince of Wales deployment
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The Type 45 destroyer is set to go through a major enhancement period while at base
A Royal Navy destroyer will be taking a lengthy spell on the side-lines so she can be upgraded.
HMS Duncan will be heading into a refit period after a period of exercises and deployments. The Daring-class warship played a vital role in operations UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) - headed up by HMS Prince of Wales - in the North Atlantic and High North.
The news of the refit was officially confirmed on the ship’s social media account. A statement said: “Every ship has a story, and what a story ours has been.
“Our Ship’s Company has said its final goodbye, the lights are out and the ensign has been lowered. As we move on, HMS Duncan heads into refit, ready to return stronger than ever.”
HMS Duncan provided air defence for the UKCSG during the first phase of Operation Firecrest. Live-firing drills and other exercises were carried out in strategically important regions alongside Nato allies. These were carried out to counteract the growing presence of Russian ships and submersibles in the North Atlantic and High North.
Both ships returned to Portsmouth on July 24 and were given a rousing welcome home following the first stage of the deployment. HMS Prince of Wales left HMNB Portsmouth to commence the second phase of Operation Firecrest on Sunday (October 18).
HMS Dauntless will be replacing HMS Duncan on the operation after an intensive training package alongside Ukrainain minehunters. She is set to perform similar duties to her sister ship across the next several months.
The Royal Navy have not confirmed what work will be taking place on HMS Duncan, after being approached for comment, but it’s most likely enhancements to her engines and propulsion systems.
All six of the Daring-class ships will be put through the Power Improvement Project, aimed at resolving long-standing mechanical issues. Propulsion problems have been caused by a design flaw in the Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbine intercooler unit. Ships to have gone through the programme, including HMS Dragon, have had brand new engines.
Out of the Royal Navy’s six destroyers, HMS Dauntless and Dragon have both gone through the programme. HMS Daring is expected to make an imminent return to the fleet after more than 3,300 days.
HMS Defender and Diamond are currently in the midst of these improvement packages.