It’s not often that you get invited to come aboard an active warship. So when I learned through Londonist that HMS. St. Albans was open to visitors over the weekend in South Quay close to Canary Wharf, I just had to check it out.
I wasn’t sure how popular or how many people would turn up but I guessed it wasn’t going to be since it was not widely advertised unless you know where to look. So I was a little surprised to find it was even though it was still early in the morning. I was equally surprised to find a lot of armed officers securing the entrance before you could get onboard. You don’t see armed police offices as police officers in the UK do not carry firearms unless they are socially trained.
Going through airport-like security, I was getting pretty excited at this point. It’s almost like being invited to see something top-secret!
Nicknamed “The Saint”, HMS St Albans is a Type 23 frigate of the British Royal Navy. She is the sixth ship to bear the name and is the sixteenth and final ship in the ‘Duke’ class of frigates. Type 23 Frigates, were originally designed to defend against Soviet Submarine threats. But since the fall of the Soviet Union, the frigate has proven its versatility by dealing with virtually every challenge posed from all corners of the globe. Based in Portsmouth, HMS St Albans has been active since its launched on the River Clyde on 6 May 2000 and was delivered to the Royal Navy in November 2001 since being built at Yarrows Yard in Scotstoun, Glasgow.
In 2013, HMS St Alban entered refit under the care of the BAE system to undergo extensive upgrade to her weapon systems, command and control computer systems and information systems making her one of the most up to date warships currently in service with the Royal Navy.HMS St Albans is currently undertaking Operation Sea Training in preparation for future overseas deployments and home duties.
Currently docked in South Quay close to the financial district of Canary Wharf, HMS St. Albans has opened it’s doors for families to check out one of the most advanced warships in the British Naval fleet. It’s an educational with many friendly Royal Navy officers happy to point out the many facets of the ships arsenals as well as some of the equipment of onboard. A great place to spend time with kids.
A good look at the ship would probably take you just under an hour. As I left, I casted one last fleeting look, safe in knowledge that I can advise with confidence not to mess with the Royal Navy.
To find out more about the British Ryal Navy and the Frigates, visit their website here.
Kritt Normsaskul 