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HMS Iron Duke (F234) is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy, and the third ship to bear the name.

 

Iron Duke was launched on 2 March 1991 by Lady Jane King in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.[13] Her affiliated town is Kingston upon Hull, and she is named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington (the "Iron Duke"). She was the fifth Duke-class Type 23 frigate to be launched for the Royal Navy, at a cost of £140 million.

 

The motto of Iron Duke is Virtutis Fortuna Comes (Latin: "Fortune is the companion of valour") – inherited from the 33rd (The Duke of Wellington's) Regiment of Foot.

 

Iron Duke carries a number of weapons and sensors which make her a multi-purpose combat vessel.

 

Pictured here arriving at Portsmouth Harbour and Naval Base, Hampshire, UK

 

A strong westerly wind is causing the warship to heel over to starboard

 

SERCO Marine Tugs SD Bountiful (bow line) and SD Independent (Starboard stern quarter) are assisting.

 

Portsmouth's historic Round Tower is on the left of the image.

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