HMS York was launched on 20 June 1982 and commissioned on 9 August 1985

In 1990, HMS York was serving in the Persian Gulf when, on 2 August, Saddam Hussain's forces forces invaded Kuwait. Her intended Far East trip was cancelled and she remained on patrol in the Persian Gulf for an extra three months. 

In 2003, York took part in the invasion of Iraq providing air cover for HMS Ark Royal. 

In July 2006, York joined HMS Gloucester in evacuating British citizens from Beirut to Cyprus during the Israel-Lebanon conflict 

In February 2010, York and RFA Wave Ruler were deployed to the Falklands due to a period of increased tensions between the UK and Argentina because of Britains intention to begin drilling for oil in the seas surrounding the islands.

In February 2011, York was deployed to Malta to help in the evacuation of British nationals from Libya.

York entered Portsmouth for the final time on 20 September 2012, and was decommissioned a week later