HMS Herald (H138)

HMS Herald (1974) at Portsmouth Navy Day 1980

HMS Herald (H138) was a hydrographic survey ship of the Royal Navy, serving from her commissioning in 1965 until she was decommissioned in 2001. Throughout her operational life, HMS Herald played a crucial role in the collection of hydrographic data, contributing significantly to the safety of naval and civilian maritime operations worldwide.

Design and Construction

HMS Herald was designed as a specialist vessel capable of conducting various hydrographic survey operations. She was built by Alexander Stephen and Sons in Glasgow, Scotland, and launched on 23 March 1953. The ship was equipped with advanced surveying equipment, including echo sounders, sonar, and later in her career, multi-beam echo sounders, which allowed for detailed mapping of the sea floor.

Operational History

Throughout her service, HMS Herald was involved in numerous hydrographic surveys around the globe. Her operations were not limited to the waters around the United Kingdom but extended to international waters, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. One of her notable missions included surveying the seabed in preparation for the laying of undersea cables and contributing to scientific research in marine geology and oceanography.

HMS Herald also played a vital role in supporting Royal Navy operations by providing accurate and up-to-date nautical charts and data, essential for the safe navigation of naval vessels. In addition to her survey work, HMS Herald participated in humanitarian and rescue operations, demonstrating the versatility and importance of hydrographic survey ships in the Royal Navy.

Decommissioning and Legacy

After 36 years of service, HMS Herald was decommissioned in 2001. Her decommissioning marked the end of an era for traditional hydrographic survey ships in the Royal Navy, as technological advancements and the introduction of unmanned and autonomous survey systems began to change the nature of hydrographic surveying.

The legacy of HMS Herald lives on through the vast amount of hydrographic data she collected, which continues to contribute to maritime safety and scientific research. Her service exemplifies the critical role of hydrographic survey ships in supporting naval operations and enhancing our understanding of the world's oceans.

See Also

• Hydrography
• Royal Navy
• Survey ship