HMS Sutherland (F81)

HMS "Sutherland" (F81) is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy. She is the thirteenth ship in the "Duke" class of frigates and is the third ship to bear the name, more than 200 years since the name was last used.

She was launched in 1996 by Lady Christina Walmsley, wife of Sir Robert Walmsley KCB. Before this occasion, Royal Navy ships had always been launched with a bottle of champagne, but Lady Walmsley broke with tradition and used a bottle of Macallan Whiskey. [http://www.navynews.co.uk/ships/sutherland.asp]

She was deployed to the Falkland Islands in the winter 1998/1999. In 2000, she was part of the task force NTG2000, the first time Royal Navy ships have circumnavigated the globe since 1986. [http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.1358] In December 2007, major upgrades worth ₤35 million were announced. This makes HMS "Sutherland" the most powerful frigate in the fleet. [http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.11093]

There is a keen golfing community on-board, and the crew sometimes use the facilities of their affiliate golf course in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch. [http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.1363]

Affiliations

*The Highlanders, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland
*No. 201 Squadron RAF
*County of Sutherland
*Honourable Company of Master Mariners
*Sherborne School
*Clifton College, Bristol CCF's
*TS Grenville, Paisley
*TS Duchess, Biggleswade
*The Royal Dornoch Golf Club

References

Gallery