HMS Monmouth Sold to Turkey for Recycling
**The Type 23 frigate HMS Monmouth has officially been sold to Turkey for recycling, marking the end of its operational journey that lasted nearly three decades.** This Royal Navy vessel has now exceeded its expected lifespan of 28 years, prompting a decision to retire her from active service. The Ministry of Defence cited that repairing the ship would not be economically feasible, as it required extensive and costly modifications to keep it operational.
According to the statement released, following a thorough tender process and evaluations of various recycling yards across Europe, the contract was awarded to Leyal Gemi Söküm Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd Şti, a ship recycling company in Turkey. Richard Whalley, Head of the DE&S Export and Sales Team and former lieutenant aboard HMS Monmouth, expressed his bittersweet feelings about the sale, stating, “While it is always difficult to see a ship that played a significant role in one’s life being retired, I am pleased that this transaction will yield financial returns for the Royal Navy through the ethical recovery of metals and invaluable resources.” The sentiment reflects the legacy of HMS Monmouth within the naval community.
A Historic Vessel’s Service Record
Commissioned in 1993 amid the tensions of the Cold War, HMS Monmouth served as a dedicated anti-submarine warfare vessel, earning the moniker ‘Black Duke.’ Throughout its time, the frigate participated in critical missions, including providing humanitarian assistance during the Sierra Leone Civil War and engaging in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. It showcased the Royal Navy’s commitment to global security and humanitarian efforts.
HMS Monmouth navigated the seas worldwide, participating in diverse deployments—from Antarctica to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The vessel even took on roles such as a harbor training ship during its service. Its final major operation took place in 2018, coinciding with the visit of HMS Queen Elizabeth to the USA. Ultimately, the ship was decommissioned on June 30, 2021, after the removal of its armament and sensors, and it embarked for its last destination on April 3, 2025, from Portsmouth.
The Legacy of the Type 23 Frigates
The Type 23 frigates, also referred to as the Duke class, are distinguished by their naming convention, which honors British Dukes. HMS Norfolk, the first of this class, entered service in 1989, followed by subsequent vessels, with HMS St Albans, the last in the series, becoming operational in June 2002. Each frigate in this class has played a vital role in the Royal Navy’s capabilities, adapting to the evolving maritime threats over the years.
Within this esteemed lineage, HMS Monmouth stood as the sixth ship of the Type 23 class, contributing significantly to naval operations and international missions. The ship’s decommissioning not only signifies the end of an era but also underscores the continuous evolution of the Royal Navy as it embraces new technologies and vessels for future challenges.
