RFA Stirling Castle formally becomes UK Royal Navy warship

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has disclosed that Stirling Castle ship officially transitioned from a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel to a fully commissioned Royal Navy warship.

During a ceremony held on 21 July in Birkenhead, the White Ensign was raised on the ship for the first time.

The ship’s company, consisting of 45 sailors and officers, also moved onboard the vessel.

Commanding officer commander Phil Harper said: “This is the first time in living memory that Royal Navy personnel have taken over a ship from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

“I want to recognise the amazing work that the RFA have done in bringing this ship into service and preparing her for handover, and to thank them for the great head start we have been given in delivering Stirling Castle into service as a warship.”

The ship is currently berthed at the Cammell Laird facility on the banks of the Mersey River.  

HMS Stirling Castle is set to be stationed at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth.

The Royal Navy said that the ship will mainly work with the Mine & Threat Exploitation Group.

Originally an offshore support vessel named MV Island Crown, it was acquired by the MoD in 2023 and has spent the past 18 months under RFA.

The vessel underwent a transformation at HM Naval Base Devonport.

Looking ahead, there are plans to repaint HMS Stirling Castle in grey as it continues its commissioned service.

Earlier in July 2025, the British Royal Navy commissioned a new autonomous mine hunting system, enabling the deployment of uncrewed technology to locate and neutralise naval mines.

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