HMS Sutherland (F81)

HMS Sutherland is the thirteenth of the Type 23 frigates. She was built on the Clyde by Yarrow Shipbuilders and launched by Lady Christina Walmsley in 1996. Royal Navy ships are usually launched with the ceremonial breaking of a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull, but when Sutherland was launched, Lady Walmsley broke with tradition and used a bottle of Macallan Scottish whisky.

Versatile and adaptable, Sutherland’s missions vary from finding and striking enemy warships through to evacuating citizens from disaster zones. She is also our fastest recorded frigate, achieving over 34 knots (39mph) during time trials in 2004.

HMS Sutherland’s primary role in a task group is to provide an anti-submarine screen for the main force. Because of this, she has some unique specialities:

• She can embark either a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter which can carry torpedoes and depth charges to attack submarines at longer ranges.
• She is fitted with a world class low frequency active and passive towed array sonar, used to detect, classify and track submarines before they detect her.

Led by Commander Tom Weaver, the ship’s company – a crew of around 200 – is split into Warfare, Marine Engineering, Weapon Engineering, Logistics, Flight and Executive. They’re specialists in their own areas, though all members of the crew are also trained in ‘wholeship duties’ including damage control, fire fighting and first aid.

Sutherland also welcomes specialists including as linguists, intelligence analysts and a Royal Marines boarding team depending on the operation.