Her keel was laid down 23 March 1971 by Vosper Thornycroft in Woolston, Southampton, England.

Initial budget costs for this class were £3.5 million, with final costs exceeding £14 million. She was commissioned on 17 July 1975, and was the only unit of the class never to be fitted with Exocet launchers.

In 1977, she attended the fleet review for the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. At this time, she was part of the 7th Frigate Squadron.