UK: HMS Duncan Reaches Major Milestone

The Royal Navy’s sixth and final Type 45 destroyer – HMS Duncan -has reached a major milestone before she arrives in Portsmouth for the first time later this year. The anti-air warfare destroyer now has a full complement of crew members after 80 sailors assembled in Portsmouth Naval Base to officially join the ship.

They will spend the next few weeks dispersed among the Navy’s five other Type 45s for on-board training, before teaming up with their new ship – and the 110 other ship’s company – when Duncan arrives in her home port of Portsmouth in March.

Built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, HMS Duncan was launched in October 2010 and has just completed her first set of sea trials off Scotland.

Among the new joiners is Able Seaman Warfare Specialist Karl Murray. He said:

“I am extremely excited to be joining one of the most advanced warships in the world, particularly with this being my first draft on a ship since joining the Royal Navy.

“I am looking forward to finding out more about her roles and capabilities during our forthcoming period of sea trials.”

The first Type 45 – HMS Daring – entered Portsmouth for the first time in 2009, followed by HMS Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon and Defender. They are the largest and most powerful destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy.

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Naval Today Staff, January 15, 2013; Image: Royal Navy