Name HMS Rhyl Commissioned 31 October 1960 In service 1960–1983 Construction started 29 January 1958 Builder HMNB Portsmouth | Laid down 29 January 1958 Decommissioned 1983 Launched 23 April 1959 | |
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HMS Rhyl was a Rothesay or Type 12I class anti-submarine frigate of the British Royal Navy, launched by Lady Macmillan on 23 February 1959 and commissioned in October 1960. Following Royal Navy service she was sunk as a target in 1985.
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Operational Service
Following commissioning in 1960 Rhyl served in the Far East, Mediterranean and East Africa, including being diverted to stand-by off Goa following the Indian invasion in 1961. She was leader of the 23rd Frigate Squadron by the time she attended Portsmouth Navy Days in 1965. She served, along with HMS Ark Royal and HMS Lowestoft, on the first Beira Patrol and then in 1966-7 served in the Mediterranean as Captain D 23rd Escort Squadron with squadron elements HMS Lowestoft (half leader), HMS Dainty and HMS Defender.
HMS Rhyl returned to UK waters in 1967 to become Captain D Home Fleet, eventually decommissioning in Plymouth to undergo a major refit to upgrade to a Leander-like specification.
In April 1982, Rhyl was ordered south for operational duties with the task force in Operation Corporate, but mechanical failure prevented the deployment. She subsequently took her place as part of Operation Corporate acting as Ascension Island Guardship until July 1982. HMS Rhyl deployed to the United States and West Indies in the first few months of 1983. Returning to Portsmouth in April 1983 she was expected to take her place in the Orient Express deployment led by HMS Invincible later that year. However whilst in dry dock it was discovered that her hull was compromised and the decision was made to pay her off.
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