HMS St Albans is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy. She is the sixth ship to bear the name and is the sixteenth and final ship in the Duke-class of frigates. She is based in Devonport, Plymouth.
In 2017, showing upgraded mod 1 main gun
Before refit, with HMS Argyll in 2011
With USS George H. W. Bush on exercise in 2011
Aft view of HMS St Albans showing the helicopter hangar
The Type 23 frigate or Duke class is a class of frigates built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. The ships are named after British Dukes, thus leading to the class being commonly known as the Duke class. The first Type 23, HMS Norfolk, was commissioned in 1989, and the sixteenth, HMS St Albans was commissioned in June 2002. They form the core of the Royal Navy's destroyer and frigate fleet and serve alongside the Type 45 destroyers. They were designed for anti-submarine warfare, but have been used for a range of uses. Ten Type 23 frigates remain in service with the Royal Navy, with three vessels having been sold to the Chilean Navy, one being retired in 2021, and two being retired in 2023.
HMS Sutherland in December 2012
Overhead view of HMS Richmond in August 2013
The Type 23's propeller is specially designed to reduce underwater noise during anti-submarine operations.
Type 997 Artisan 3D radar on HMS Argyll following her 2010 refit
