The crew of one of the Highlands’ adopted warships has celebrated its return to active duty.
HMS Sutherland has been re-dedicated after a year-long refit in Devonport Naval Base in England.
The ceremony to hand the vessel back to the Royal Navy took place at the vessel’s home base at Plymouth and was watched by crews and their families, Royal Navy personnel and organisations from the county of Sutherland.
The ship has been undergoing sea trials for the past few months. Video released of tests showed torpedos flying out of the side tubes, with a small parachute deploying to slow its descent into the ocean.
Guest of honour was Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Capability), Rear Admiral James Morse, a previous captain of HMS Sutherland.
He said: “It’s fabulous to come back. The ship looks immaculate. What’s most impressive is to come and see the people. The current ships company of HMS Sutherland have just paraded magnificently and have worked really hard to get the ship ready for today.”
The current commanding officer Stephen Anderson said: “HMS Sutherland was launched officially just over 18 years ago with a design life of 18 years. We find ourselves at the end of our design life and with the two-year package we have just gone through will see her regenerate for another 18 years. This is very special because it is a re-dedication to take us forward back into the fleet, and another 18 years of service to look forward to.”
The Royal Marine Band started the parade. The ship’s company marched from the hangar, across the gangway onto the jetty parade ground.
The guard of honour then marched on to take the salute from the inspecting officers.
The re-dedication ceremony was presided over by Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet, the Reverend Martin Gough.
After the ceremony families were invited to have a tour of the ship and see where their loved ones live and work.
Chef Morgan Spencer-George, 19, from Caerphilly, near Cardiff, said “I have really enjoyed the rededication ceremony and I am really proud that my parents were here to see it. This is my first ship in the Royal Navy and I can’t wait to get sea.”