Romanian Type 22 Frigate Commissioned
09 Sep 2004
Regele Ferdinand, the first of two ex-Royal Navy Type 22 frigates being regenerated and modernised by a BAE Systems-led team for the Romanian Navy, was officially named and commissioned at Portsmouth today.
The ceremony was attended by President Ion Iliescu of Romania and Britains Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Bach.
The Regele Ferdinand, formerly HMS Coventry, is the first UK-built frigate to be owned by the Romanian Navy. A second frigate, the Regina Maria - previously HMS London - will be delivered in Spring 2005.
The two ships became available for sale in 2001. Agreement was reached for their acquisition following discussions between the UK and Romanian Governments in December 2002.
The reactivation of the ships to operational condition and NATO standards is being undertaken through the MODs Defence Logistics Organisation which placed a 116m contract with BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) for the work. CS&S has led the reactivation and upgrade project, which has included a wide span of UK industry.
Fleet Support Ltd has carried out the refurbishment work, Rolls-Royce is reconditioning the ships engines and Flagship is responsible for crew training.
Equipment fitted as part of the upgrade includes an Oto Melara 76mm rapid-fire gun with Radamec electro-optical tracking system; AMS Nautis fire control system; BAE Systems MPS2000 communications system; Inmarsat B global maritime distress and safety system; Terma SKWS decoy system; and Sperry Marine gyro compass and global positioning system.
BAE Systems group marketing director Mike Rouse commented, The reactivation of these highly-regarded vessels is the latest chapter in BAE Systems proud 30-year relationship with Romania. We want to develop this partnership through ongoing support and further upgrade of the vessels with Romanian industry.
CS&S Naval managing director Rory Fisher commented, This programme has been a real partnership all round and a great success for Portsmouth. We have worked closely with our locally-based joint venture partners FSL and Flagship and the rest of the industry team, as well as the UK MOD and the Romanian customer. Together we are delivering our NATO allies two highly-capable naval vessels.
The handover followed successful sea trials in early August designed to demonstrate the operability of all systems and structures in the ship. These included high-speed trials at speeds of up to 28 knots and testing of sensors and weapon systems, involving gun and dummy torpedo firings. Forty representatives from Romania were on board to witness the demonstrations.
Regele Ferdinand is named after King Ferdinand I of Romania (1865-1927). Its 203-strong crew will undergo preliminary sea training for several weeks before sailing to Romania in November.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
About Customer Solutions & Support:
Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) employs around 15,000 people at over 40 locations and provides through-life support and services across the air, sea and land sectors. It carries out upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul of military systems. CS&S supports customers' capability in areas such as training; facilities management; spares and repairs; technical information services; manpower services; and supply chain and logistics management.
CS&S manages support and services programmes worldwide including a broad range of contracts in Australia and the key Saudi Arabian Al Yamamah programme. CS&S is also working closely with the UK Ministry Of Defence to reduce the cost of support, upgrade and training - without compromising front-line capability.
Pictures of the ceremony will be available from Newscast at www.newscast.co.uk from 1300 on Sep 9.
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