A recent crisis in The Royal Navy, brought about by a lack of personnel among other events, is having a marked affect upon the number of days ships of the Type 23 flotilla is able to spend on active duty at sea.
There are thirteen frigates in the class known as "The Duke Class" as all the ships are named after British Dukes. And of the thirteen, four, Richmond, Portland, Lancaster and Iron Duke, have, up until the end of September so far this year, remained in port.
The ships, first commissioned in 1989 with an intended lifespan of 18 years, which is currently extended, though they will soon be replaced by the new Type 26 ships (see previous article).
With the home ports of Portsmouth and Devonport, the ship's main function is anti-submarine warfare. Although with a recent host of cut-backs throughout the services, the Type 23 is being called upon to cover extra duties, in turn needing increased periods of servicing and days in port.
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