The former Royal Naval frigate HMS Monmouth, a Type 23 Duke class vessel, recently departed Portsmouth for the final time, marking the end of her service. Launched in Scotland in 1991 and commissioned two years later, HMS Monmouth served the Royal Navy for nearly three decades, undertaking missions across the globe, from the Antarctic to the Persian Gulf. Known as the ‘Black Duke’, she was a symbol of naval strength and versatility.
Decommissioned on 30 June 2021, HMS Monmouth was deemed surplus to the Navy’s requirements due to her material state and the high costs associated with refitting her for continued service.
Unlike many of her sisterships, she did not undergo a mid-life upgrade, which left her uneconomical to repair. Stripped of her weapons, sensors, and other equipment, she was laid up and used briefly as a harbour training ship before being moved to Portsmouth.
Earlier this year, HMS Monmouth was sold to Turkish naval scrapyard companies for recycling. On 3 April 2025, she was towed from Portsmouth, accompanied by tugboats, to begin her final journey to the Leyal scrapyard in Aliaga, Turkey, with the tow set to take three weeks. This facility has handled the disposal of numerous Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships in the past.
Her departure signifies the ongoing transition within the Royal Navy, as older vessels like Monmouth are replaced by advanced Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, ensuring the fleet remains equipped to meet modern challenges. HMS Monmouth’s legacy, however, will not be forgotten.
Photos by Mike Critchley
