HMS Somerset (F82)

HMS "Somerset" (F82) is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy.

HMS "Somerset" is the eleventh of the class to join the fleet since 1989. She was built by Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd on the river Clyde, in Scotland and was launched in June 1994 by Lady Elspeth Layard, wife of then 2nd Sea Lord Admiral and Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command Admiral Sir Michael Layard. She entered service in 1996. Lady Layard is the ship's sponsor.

The fourth HMS "Somerset" to serve in the Royal Navy, she has four battle honours from Vigo Bay (1702), Velez Malaga (1704), Louisburg (1758) and Quebec (1759). The previous ships all served during the 18th Century and ensured that the name HMS "Somerset" played a significant part in that period of naval history.

HMS "Somerset's" home port is HMNB Devonport. The ship has the Freedom of the City of Wells and is also affiliated with the County of Somerset, the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, the 2nd and 4th Battalions of The Rifles (inherited from affiliation with the Royal Green Jackets Regiment), TS Weston and TS Queen Elizabeth Sea Cadet Units, Downside, Baytree and Helles Schools, Bridgwater College and the Somerset Legion House of The Royal British Legion. The 19th Duke of Somerset takes a keen interest in the ship and is a regular visitor.

Affiliations

*Duchy of Somerset
*The Rifles
*City of Wells
*Worshipful Company of Apothecaries
*Somerset County Council

External links

* [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.1298 Official RN webpage]
* [http://hms-somerset-co.blogspot.com hms-somerset-co.blogspot.com] - The blog of the ship's Commanding Officer