This
class was designed during the early 1960's,
and were soon mainly viewed as an admission
that the
thinking behind the earlier single role "Utility" classes were a bit of a
mistake.
They were intended as a "Multi - role" or "General
purpose" frigate.
Their main duty, alongside the Anti-Submarine and Convoy
Escort role,
was the anti-slavery patrols off
the coast of East Africa,
and also up into the "Persian Gulf", during the
late 1960's and early 1970's,
where their air conditioning was a definite
blessing.
This task is still carried out now, in the 21st. century, by
current Frigate types, but with less press attention.
The 81's were meant to undertake any of the roles performed by the ships they were
replacing, with a little less "effectiveness" it must be said.
The
"Leander" class, that were just coming into service at this time, were
a much more competent ship in the ASW role,
as they could operate a larger helicopter to
take the fight to a submarine up to 100 or so miles away.
One wonders how much
more effective and possibly longer legged the "Leanders" would have
been
had they been fitted with the "type 81's" Steam and Gas turbine power plant
rather than the updated pure steam turbine plant from its earlier "type 12" stable
mate.
( # ) indicates photos updated - Late April 2008. - earlier updates now unmarked
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