Newly deployed Type 45, HMS Dragon, has passed through Gibraltar on her maiden voyage to the Middle East.
She arrived in stormy conditions, but this soon cleared allowing the Ship’s Company the opportunity to engage the sovereignty’s residents in a spot of sport.
The ship fielded Rugby, Football and Netball teams against Gibraltar and came out on top in rugby, but went down in both football and netball.
The 22 hour stopover also allowed some of Dragon’s early risers the opportunity to undertake the legendary ‘Rock Run’.
After HMS Dragon slipped her lines her Lynx helicopter took for a “sovereignty fly past” to thank Gibraltar for its hospitality.
HMS Dragon is the fourth of the Royal Navy’s six new Type 45s. Built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, she made her first entry into her home port of Portsmouth in 2011 and was commissioned into the Navy’s fleet in April last year. She is now continuing her journey to the Middle East where, with other navies, she will help to keep the seas safe by preventing maritime terrorism, countering piracy, hunting drug runners and deterring human trafficking.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 4, 2013; Image: Royal Navy