HMS Iron Duke (F234)

HMS Iron Duke (F234)

HMS Iron Duke is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy, and the third ship to bear the name. Iron Duke was launched on 2 March 1991 by Lady Jane King in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Her affiliated town is Kingston upon Hull, and she is named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington (the "Iron Duke"). She was the fifth Duke-class Type 23 frigate to be launched for the Royal Navy at a cost of £140 million.

The motto of Iron Duke is Virtutis Fortuna Comes (latin: "Fortune is the companion of valour") - inherited from the 33rd (The Duke of Wellington's) Regiment of Foot.

Iron Duke carries a number of weapons and sensors. Although her primary role is anti-submarine warfare, she can be employed in a variety of roles. She carries a Lynx Helicopter which can also be used for a number of purposes.

Iron Duke has intercepted several large consignments of illegal drugs being sent from the Caribbean to Europe, in many cases with the aid of embarked United States Coast Guard personnel.

As of March 2012 HMS IRON DUKE is undergoing a major refit in HM NAVAL BASE, Portsmouth. Some major parts of the work package are taking place for the first time on a Type 23 class of ship, as the MOD looks to extend the life of the Duke Class Frigate's beyond the original time frame to coincide with the introduction of the Type 26 class of ship which is currently expected to enter service in 2032.