The last four Batch 3 Type 22 frigates retained useful command-and-control and presence roles. Their space and status made them suitable command ships within a fleet also operating Type 42 destroyers and Type 23 frigates. The Type 45s therefore inherited demands from both the Type 42s and those remaining Type 22s, concentrating work previously carried by 16 ships into six. Keeping eight Type 45s and all 16 Type 23s would have provided 24 escorts, five more than the eventual 19. That extra capacity would have added operational slack, although it would not have solved underinvestment in supporting infrastructure.
Notable Point · 1:11:21-1:13:29
The command roles that Type 45s inherited from Type 22 frigates
Replacing Type 42s also left the six Type 45s carrying command and presence duties previously handled by the remaining Type 22 frigates.