HMS Bangor’s return to the Fleet was heralded by the sound of the flute – played by her Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr David Wilson.

Lt Cdr Wilson, who has been playing the flute since childhood, accompanied the ship’s company as they sang the Naval hymn during the rededication of the Sandown-class minehunter in Portsmouth Naval Base.

During the ceremony Lt Cdr Wilson said: “We have emerged from upkeep a more capable warship and it’s the result of your hard work and dedication and thank you for all.”

The ship has been in an upkeep period since December last year, following on from the Sandown’s record 10-month deployment to the Gulf during the war against Saddam Hussein.

The overhaul in Portsmouth provided the first break for crew after a hectic programme. Not content with a tour of duty in the Gulf, Naval leaders also sent Bangor – affiliated with the namesake town in Northern Ireland – to London for the DSEI defence exhibition last autumn, before returning to the Solent for the revamp.

HMS Bangor is the first Sandown-class mine countermeasures vessel to be refitted in Portsmouth by FSL, the Naval base repair organisation.

Her refit has included the installation of NavyStar communications system and a Precise Fixing System (PFS).

Her rededication ceremony was conducted by Chaplain of the Fleet, the Ven Barry Hammett, before the assembled ship’s company and the ship’s sponsor Lady Spencer.

The MCMV’s programme for the rest of the year includes route survey operations around the UK, and training exercises such as a Joint Maritime Course off Scotland.

HMS Bangor can be found at Plymouth Navy Days at the end of August.