HMS Phoebe (F42)

HMS Phoebe firing Exocet missile
History
United Kingdom
Name:	HMS Phoebe (F42)
Operator:	Royal Navy
Builder:	Alexander Stephen and Sons
Laid down:	25 July 1963
Launched:	19 December 1964
Commissioned:	15 May 1966
Decommissioned:	14 February 1991
Fate:	Sold for scrap 1992
General characteristics
Class and type:	Leander class frigate

HMS Phoebe (F42) was a Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy (RN). She was, like the rest of her class, named after a figure of mythology. Built by Alexander Stephen and Sons on the River Clyde, she was launched on 19 December 1964 and commissioned on 15 May 1966.

In the year of her commission, Phoebe assisted in the emotionally charged withdrawal from Aden in 1967. In 1969, Phoebe took part in the 20th Anniversary of NATO Fleet Review held at Spithead.

In 1971, Phoebe deployed to the West Indies. That same year, Phoebe was guard ship during talks between UK Prime Minister Heath and U.S. President Nixon. In 1973, Phoebe took part in the Second Cod War, during the fishing disputes with Iceland.

Between 1973 and 1977 Phoebe was used for the filming of the popular Warship BBC drama, set on board the fictional HMS Hero.

In 1974, Phoebe commenced her modernisation, which including altering her weapons configuration. Her single 4.5-in twin turret was removed in favour of the Exocet anti-ship missile system, giving her a powerful anti-surface capability. The number of SeaCat missiles she carried was increased. The modernisation was completed in 1977. She subsequently took part in the Silver Jubilee celebrations and Fleet Review, at which many warships attended from a variety of nations.