HMS Phoebe (F42)

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. She was built by Vickers on the Tyne. She was launched on the 19th December 1964 and commissioned on the 15th 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.

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 amount 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.

In 1978, "Phoebe" patrolled in the Caribbean and subsequently joined Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT), a multi-national squadron of NATO. In that year, "Phoebe" had the distinction of becoming the first frigate to operate the Westland Lynx attack helicopter, which remains in service, though obviously of a newer variant.

In September 1982, "Phoebe" deployed to the South Atlantic in the aftermath of the Falklands War, and performed a number of duties, though mainly patrolling in that region. In 1984, "Phoebe" completed her towed array sonar refit. In 1988, "Phoebe" again served under Standing Naval Force Atlantic and took part in the rescue effort in the tragic aftermath of the Piper Alpha oilrig explosion in the North Sea, which killed 167 people. "Phoebe" decommissioned in 1991 and was sold for scrap the following year.

"Phoebe" was used for the filming of the popular "Warship" BBC drama during the 1970s, set on board the fictional HMS "Hero".