A Royal Navy commander has assumed her latest role as captain of the Type Plymouth-based Type 23 Frigate HMS Northumberland.
Commander Alexandra Pollard (known as Ally), originally from London and who lives in Portsmouth, is the 12th commanding officer appointed to the ship, the ninth of the Type 23 Duke Class Frigates.
Commander Pollard said “It is a tremendous privilege to be appointed in command of HMS Northumberland and I am delighted to have the opportunity to regenerate the ship and her ship’s company, building upon their already proud reputation and taking her back to her rightful place at the forefront of UK defence.’’
She gained a degree in classics from University College London and joined the Royal Navy in 1997. Her previous appointments have included senior warfare officer in HMS Liverpool, air warfare officer for major multi-national military exercises, executive officer of HMS Richmond and latterly as the warfare officer career manager.
HMS Northumberland is in the latter stages of a refit at HM Naval Base Devonport and is programmed to return to the fleet early next year. Cdr Pollard will now visit organisations and places affiliated to the ship in London and Northumberland. She will then oversee the transition of the ship from shore to sea as HMS Northumberland’s ship’s company move on board after the refit under the MOD’s major industrial partner Babcock.
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