Mayor attends rededication service for revamped warship HMS St Albans
St Albans Mayor Anthony Rowlands attended a service to rededicate the Royal Navy’s warship HMS St Albans following a multi-million-pound refit.
Cllr Rowlands was among the 160 guests at the event in Portsmouth which welcomed the frigate back into action after its five-year-long revamp. Sea cadets from St Albans were also there.
The Mayor viewed the renovations, including four new diesel engines and advanced weapons systems, and met Commander Helen Coxon who is in charge of the ship.
HMS St Albans has had a close relationship with the City it was named after since it was launched on the Clyde 24 years ago.
The Mayor said:
It was a privilege to be present at the rededication ceremony now that HMS St Albans is almost ready to recommence active service.
There have been close links between the City and District and HMS St Albans over many years which, I am sure, will now resume and flourish.
Our guided tour of the ship provided just a glimpse into the complexity of a modern naval vessel as well as an insight into the working life and living conditions of officers and crew.
HMS St Albans is currently undergoing sea trials before deployment and will be based at Devonport, Plymouth.
Photos: from the top, the Mayor with Commander Helen Coxon; with sea cadets from St Albans; standing beside the ship.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
