HMS Southampton was commissioned whilst alongside at Southampton Docks on the 31st October 1981, not far from where she was built at Vosper Thornycroft.

The normal routine of her trials and sea training was commenced but was only about half way completed when Argentina invaded the Falklands.

The training programme was immediately accelerated and strenuous efforts made to get the ship ready for operational service.

Southampton seen on the 11 June 1982 a week before she sailed (on 18 June) in company with her sister ship HMS Birmingham to Falklands were they acted as air defence ships for the carrier force.