A ceremony marking Portsmouth-based minehunter, HMS Cattistock’s return to frontline service following a major upgrade took place in Portsmouth Naval Base yesterday (Monday).
The upgrade, carried out by BAE Systems in Portsmouth, includes new engines and means that the minehunter can sail faster, stay at sea longer, and will extend the ship’s life to 2030 and beyond.
The Head of the Royal Navy First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas joined the proud crew as guest of honour with his wife, Lady Amanda Zambellas to celebrate the ships achievements and mark the occasion.
Cadets from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Training Cadet Corps also attended the event.
Admiral Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval staff, said:
“As her former Commanding Officer, it was a privilege to join HMS Cattistock’s current ship’s company, their guests and affiliates, to share in this special occasion.
“She may be small, but Cattistock and her sisters have a big responsibility. The Hunt-class have cleared mines and ordnance in nearly every major UK military operation over the past thirty-five years. This role continues today, as they keep our home waters safe and work with our allies to keep the international shipping lanes open for world trade.
Article continues below this advertisement “So with new engines, world-beating sensors and systems, and the best trained, most skilled sailors of any navy, there’s plenty of life left in the old girl yet.”
Having discovered the ships original commissioning photo from 1982, the 45 crew posed to re-create the photo, joined by the First Sea Lord, before the ceremony.
Next up for the ship is operational sea training off the UK coast until the end of the year.
