FF-19 "Almirante Williams"

The frigate "Almirante Williams" (Ex HMS "Sheffield" of the Royal Navy) is a ship of the class Broadsword, of the type 22 Batch 2 designed for anti-submarine operations. It was built by Swan Hunter Shipbuilders on Tyneside between 1984 and 1986. Be incorporated to the Royal Navy on 26 July 1988 and was withdrawn from active service on November 15, 2002. It was the third ship to bear the name "Sheffield" in the Royal Navy. It has the ability to transport a Cougar helicopter. On September 05, 2003 the national flag was hoisted and baptized as FF "Admiral Williams" in at the Naval Base in Devonport, Plymouth, United Kingdom.

HMS Sheffield was transferred to the Chilean Navy (becoming FFG Almirante Williams) on 5th September 2003 at a ceremony held at Devonport Naval Base. The UK's Disposal Services Agency (DSA) runs the largest operation of its kind inthe UK and has an established presence in Europe. Its methods of turnoverare a model for other nationsL defence forces and its expertise has been sought by nations throughout the world.

The British DSA Project Team had a most challenging task to deliver this highly complex project by the end of the year with all aspects of the Sales Agreement (which was signed on 17 March 2003) completed. This included the regeneration and reactivation of the ship, its systems and equipment under contract to Devonport Management Ltd (DML) and the sanitisation of weapon systems by original equipment manufacturers under contract through WSA Integrated Project Teams, the restoring of supporting infrastructure and re-stocking of storerooms by MoD departments supported by sub-contractors, and the training of the 223 Chilean Navy Ship’s Company by the Naval Recruitment and Training Agency and Royal Naval Advisory and Training Team.

With this achieved the ship then successfully completed a period of Operational Sea Training with Flag Officer Sea Training where the crew attained impressive results all round at their final inspection. The ship finally left the UK for her passage back to Chile on 22nd December 2003 free of all defects. Initial feedback from the Chilean Navy confirmed that they were delighted with their new acquisition that replaced the first of the retiring former County Class destroyers sold to Chile between 1982 to 1986.