Watch: Moment of history for city as photos show new warship representing Wolverhampton on global stage enjoy grand unveiling
It was a night to celebrate for the city of Wolverhampton as a new warship bearing the city's name rolled out of the yard for the first time.
At a ceremony in Rosyth, HMS Active was ‘rolled out’ from Babcock’s ship building facility, marking the completion of its construction. It will now be prepared to have its final fitting out.
The rollout of HMS Active saw the momentous emergence of the second frigate from the purpose-built ship assembly hall, ahead of entering the water for the first time.
Guests from the UK and beyond had the opportunity to see first‑hand the innovation and expertise driving the programme, as well as the world-class infrastructure and technology across our advanced manufacturing facility at Rosyth, that underpin the design and build activity.
The first steel for HMS Active was cut in January 2023 and the keel was laid nine months later.
HMS Active will be the 13th ship to bear the name in service with the Royal Navy, with the most recent being a Type 21 frigate that served for 17 years in the RN and saw action in the 1982 Falklands war.
Previous Actives include a destroyer that served through WWII, earning 4 Battle Honours including involvement in sinking the German battleship Bismarck.
There was also an Active that played a minor part in the WWI the Battle of Jutland, a scout cruiser attached to Admiral Jellicoe’s flagship, HMS Iron Duke.
Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, said “The Inspiration Class will be at the heart of the Hybrid Navy; capable, flexible and globally deployable”.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton Craig Collingswood was present at the roll out of HMS Active and spoke about the importance of the links with the city.
He said: "The Ships’ Names and Badges Committee has approved the formal affiliation between Wolverhampton and HMS Active.
"The name Active dates back to the eighteenth century and today reflects the forward deployed nature of Royal Navy ships in protecting UK interests across the globe.
"On this occasion, the name has been selected in honour of the last ship to bear it, which served from the 1970s to the mid 1990s, including operational service during the liberation of the Falkland Islands.
"It was an honour to attend the rollout of HMS Active and to see Naval links re-established with Wolverhampton for the first time since 1959."
