UK: Royal Navy Commissions HMS Dragon

Hundreds of guests including families of the 190 ship’s company attended a colourful ‘Christening’ ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base which marks the ship’s transition into front-line service.

Reflecting the ship’s strong Welsh connections (the ship is affiliated to the city of Cardiff), among the principal guests was Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan. Also present were Susie Boissier – the ship’s sponsor who launched the vessel at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard on the River Clyde in November 2008 – and Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery.

The ceremony was conducted by the Venerable Scott Brown, Chaplain of the Fleet.

Representatives from the ship’s affiliate city of Cardiff were also present.

Commander Darren Houston, Dragon’s Commanding Officer, said the event was a proud moment for all on board HMS Dragon.

“This very special day marks the end of our trials phase and the transition to front-line service.  “Thereafter the emphasis will be on combat readiness in preparation for our first deployment next year. I am very pleased that so many families, friends and affiliates were part of our momentous day.”

The ceremony was rounded off in traditional Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of a commissioning cake. Performing the honour were the CO’s wife, Liesl, and Engineering Technician Mark Soldiew, aged 18, the youngest member of the ship’s company.

HMS Dragon is the fourth of six Type 45 destroyers being built for the Royal Navy. All will be based in Portsmouth. The first, HMS Daring, was commissioned in July 2009 and the fifth – HMS Defender – is due to arrive in Portsmouth for the first time this summer. All six are scheduled to be in service by the middle of the decade.

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Source: Navaltoday Staff, April 23, 2012; Image: royalnavy