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Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster was decommissioned in Bahrain earlier this month. Personnel gathered to the mark the end of the frigate’s 34 year career, far exceeding her 18-year projected lifespan.
In recent years, the 4,500 tonne frigate played a vital role in maintaining Operation Kipion - a UK deployment designed to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
The Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, who served the ship’s Commanding Officer between 2011 and 2013, said the ship represents many fond memories for him and those who served on the warship.
He added: “HMS Lancaster is approaching the end of her long and distinguished service with the Royal Navy. As she approaches retirement, I would encourage you all to celebrate everything that she has delivered on operation across the world. As our longest serving Type 23 frigate, HMS Lancaster has exceeded the 18 years lifespan she was originally built for, with almost 35 years of outstanding service.”
Here are 26 pictures from the ceremony where the frigate came alongside in Bahrain.
5. HMS Lancaster decommissioning ceremony
HMS Lancaster arrived in Bahrain for the final time on December 5, ending one of the busiest and longest careers of any major British warship. | Lt Cdr Roster RN
6. HMS Lancaster decommissioning ceremony
HMS Lancaster arrived in Bahrain for the final time today â ending one of the busiest and longest careers of any major British warship. Flying her decommissioning pennant, a ribbon-like White Ensign whose length reflects her 33 years of service, she sailed into harbour and powered down her engines. | LPhot E Jones
7. HMS Lancaster decommissioning ceremony
In total, HMS Lancaster completed 4,097 days at sea and travelled 816,000 nautical miles, the equivalent of almost two return trips to the Moon. | Lt Cdr Roster RN
8. HMS Lancaster decommissioning ceremony
Based in Portsmouth for the vast majority of her career before transferring to Plymouth, HMS Lancaster spent her final three years operating from the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, where she proved to be exceptionally effective on operations. | Lt Cdr Roster RN