#FrigateVisit-The Royal Navy Type 23 Duke Class frigate HMS Richmond (F239) is to make a weekend courtesy call to Dublin Port, with an arrival to the capital this afternoon, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 4,900 displacement frigate commissioned in 1995 has a top speed 28 knots and a crew complement of 185. She and her 12 sisters are among the most tried and tested in the fleet, having pounded Saddam Husseins defences on the Al Faw peninsula in the opening hours of the Iraq campaign a decade ago in 2003.

HMS Richmond has undergone an upgrade to sensors and weapons systems, where Seawolf Mid-Life Update (SWMLU) are now fitted that will improve the ship's ability to meet the evolving capability of anti-ship missiles. In addition the frigate has 30 mm Automated Small Calibre Gun (ASCG) system making her a formidable and modern weapons platform.