The Type 23, which has been in service for more than 30 years, had become a drug-hunter extraordinaire, carrying out countless narcotics raids in waters of the Middle East and seizing millions of pounds of drugs.
Commanding Office Commander Claire Thompson said she felt incredibly privileged to have led HMS Montrose – adding that the ship will have a lasting legacy. She said: ‘It’s been really important to us that we mark the decommissioning correctly. It was everything I could have hoped for.’
13. Last CO
Commanding officer commander Claire Thompson OBE (170423-1982) Photo: Sarah Standing
14. Proud
Able seaman Will Gair who has served on HMS Montrose for 18 months (170423-1977) Photo: Sarah Standing
15. Officer
Lieutenant Dom Jacobs who has served on HMS Montrose for 18 months (170423-1975) Photo: Sarah Standing
16. Guest of honour
Malcolm Rifkind, husband of Lady Edith Rifkind, ship's sponsor (170423-1972) Photo: Sarah Standing