Britain’s Brand New Type 45 Destroyer Ready to Operate Safely at Sea

Britain’s brand new Type 45 Destroyer sailed from Portsmouth for the first time to undertake two days of training and assessment under the supervision of staff from Flag Officer Sea Training organisation. It was also the first time she sailed under the White Ensign.

For HMS Duncan, this period of training and assessment marked a significant milestone for the ship. By passing, HMS Duncan will now move onto the next phase of her life, trialling her equipment.

HMS Duncan’s Ship’s Company have been assisted by several organisations in their efforts getting the Type 45 destroyer ready for service at sea. Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Defence Equipment Support, the Maritime Commissioning and Testing Authority (MCTA), Portsmouth Flotilla and BAE Systems have all provided essential support and oversight in order that HMS Duncan is ready to operate safely at sea.

During periods alongside in Portsmouth and down the south coast, the ship’s company have been dealing with multiple fires, floods, machinery breakdowns and testing navigational exercises.

AB2 (CIS) Ali Walker, onboard her first ship in the Royal Navy, said:

 “It has been a very busy week but a great learning experience for all of us.”

All departments were kept busy throughout the training but met every challenge with enthusiasm and gusto.

HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer, Commander James Stride, said:

“It’s really exciting to get HMS Duncan to sea for the first time in Royal Navy hands.

“It is a testament to all the hard work, not only of our ship’s company, but also all of the outside organisations that support us.”

HMS Duncan will now move on to undergo an intensive period of sea trials and training around the coast of the United Kingdom.

Britain’s Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced warships the nation has ever built and have already deployed operationally to the Middle East and across the Atlantic.

Their mission is to shield the Fleet from air attack using the Sea Viper missile which can knock targets out of the sky up to 70 miles away if necessary.

The Type 45s can also be used as general-purpose warships; they have large flight decks able to accommodate helicopters up to the size of a Chinook.

There is also enough space on board to host a Royal Marines detachment up to 60-men strong.

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Press Release, June 11, 2013; Image: Royal Navy