The Royal Navy’s newest survey ship has been formally commissioned into the Fleet at a ceremony in Devonport.

Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, Commander-in-Chief Fleet, and Lady Haddacks, the ship’s sponsor, were guests of honour at the ceremony for the commissioning of HMS Echo – Lady Haddacks named the ship in March 2002.

As is traditional, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Martin Jones, read the Commissioning Warrant from the Commander-in-Chief Fleet, and a short service of dedication was conducted by three Royal Naval chaplains.

The youngest member of the ship’s company, Survey Recorder Chris Pickering (20), and the Commanding Officer’s wife, Mrs Joan Edwards, cut the commissioning cake at the reception after the ceremony.

Cdr Jones said: “The commissioning of a ship into the Royal Navy is a most significant and memorable event. It represents the culmination of all the planning, design, construction, outfitting and trials which has witnessed a contract awarded in June 2000 leading to our commissioning today – less than three years.

“This is an incredible achievement, and all involved should feel justifiably proud in the extremely capable ship that has been delivered.

“Personally I would like to thank all involved for their hard work, imagination, perseverance and above all friendship.

“This project has been most memorable to me by the enthusiasm and co-operation of all parties.

“I would especially like to thank the Integrated Project Tam who have consistently helped throughout, Vosper Thornycroft who have delivered the prime contract, and Appledore Shipyard Ltd for the fine ship they have built.

“We are now about to embark upon the final stages of developing HMS Echo into a multi-faceted ship capable of delivering world-class environmental support and able to respond to the broad range or tasks that the Commander-in-Chief Fleet may call upon us to undertake.

“I am confident that we will continue to rise to the challenged that are put before us – however, I am also sure that this period will test our mettle to the full.”

Cdr Jones also thanked the families present for their strong support as the ship has been in build and undergoing trials – and for the support they will continue to give as the ship goes operational.

“This ceremony is the focal point which marks the transition from ship-build through trials to a living, working operational unit with the Fleet,” said Cdr Jones.

“To command a new ship, and especially the first of class, I consider an immense privilege and honour.”

The ship’s affiliated town of Taunton – home of the Hydrographic Office and Admiralty Charts – was represented by the Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Adrian Prior-Sankey, and the Commanding Officer of the Taunton Sea Cadets.

A renewed friendship has also been forged with the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors, formerly affiliated to survey ship HMS Herald.

The new HMS Echo is the 12th ship to bear the name, and is officially a multi-role hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel, capable of working in front-line operational roles worldwide.

This includes supporting mine warfare and amphibious operations as well as specialist surveying tasks.

Echo will be available for tasking for more than 334 days each year, which is a 50 per cent improvement on the ships she is replacing – and whereas the older vessels can only carry out survey work in the rough waters of the Western Approaches for 13 per cent of the year, Echo and her sister Enterprise will be able to work for 90 per cent of the year.

Echo carries a ship’s company of 72 who operate a crew rotation system, so that there will be 49 members on board at any one time while the remainder take leave or undergo training.

Echo was built by Appledore Shipbuilders at Bideford in Devon, under subcontract from Vosper Thornycroft Shipbuilding. As well as design and build, the £130 million prime contract covers the support of the two ships throughout their expected 25 years service.

Echo will continue her programme of trials and training in preparation for her first operational deployment later this year.

The next Chief of the Defence Staff has called in on HMS Echo as part of a series of visits to defence establishments.

General Sir Michael Walker made a two-day visit to Devonport Naval Base, where he met John Coles, Chief Executive of the Warship Support Agancy, and Naval Base Commander Commodore Andrew Mathews.

General Walker saw Echo and Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Torbay, and also experienced sea training at first hand while on board Type 23 frigate HMS Kent, accompanied by Rear Admiral James Rapp, Flag Officer Sea Training.

General Walker will formally take up his appointment of Chief of the Defence Staff in April, succeeding Admiral Sir Michael Boyce.