HMS Ardent Departs Plymouth — 43 Years Ago

19 April 1982

This photograph captures HMS Ardent (F184) departing HMNB Devonport on 19 April 1982, bound for the South Atlantic as part of the UK’s Task Force responding to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. It was the ship’s final departure.

Following her sailing, Ardent proceeded to Ascension Island, arriving on 3 May. There, she took on supplies and underwent final preparations before continuing south into the conflict zone. The stop at Ascension was a brief but important pause, a chance to plan, refuel, and focus on the operational tasks ahead.

This year also marks another significant milestone: 50 years since HMS Ardent was launched in 1975. Originally built by Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde, Ardent was one of the Royal Navy’s Amazon-class frigates — modern, fast, and versatile.

9 May 1975

As we mark both the anniversary of her final sailing and the 50th year since her launch, we reflect on her role in the Falklands campaign and the professionalism of her ship’s company. Ardent was lost in action just over a month after this image was taken. Her story remains a central part of the history of the conflict and of the Royal Navy’s contribution to it.