SOMERSET Refit – The Type 23 frigate SOMERSET recently back from service “East of Suez” has started a nine month refit at Devonport – it is the first refit to be undertaken under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (SSSA) Class Output Management (COM) Phase 2 arrangements.   SSSA came into effect in April and will see the full implementation of COM across all legacy in service platforms, with significantly greater delegation to industry on a performance based contracting for availability’ basis (which I hope someone fully understands).  

SOMERSET will receive a number of upgrades and improvements including a Command System with a comprehensive programme integrating all existing weapons, sonar and radar systems to be carried out during the commissioning phase of this upgrade.  Other upgrades include the SEAWOLF mid-life upgrade, installation of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) enabling information sharing and collaborative working across the Armed Forces and MoD; and NATO Radial Filters to protect fresh air supplies from contamination in the event of an incident.    The galley equipment will also see an upgrade.   All other routine maintenance will of course be under taken during the refit with the ship expected to will leave Devonport at the end of the year for sea trials.