Type 45 destroyer Daring deployment

The first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 warships to be built has left its home port for deployment to the Far East and Pacific Ocean.

Type 45 destroyer Daring leaves Portsmouth for deployment

The first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 warships to be built has left its home port for a nine-month deployment to the Far East and Pacific Ocean.

HMS Daring will contribute to maritime security and conduct science and technology trials, the Navy said.

The ship and its 190-strong crew will also represent the UK at celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.

The six Type 45 destroyers are set to be in use until about 2040.

The other five are HMS Dauntless, HMS Diamond, HMS Dragon, HMS Defender and HMS Duncan.

A Navy spokesman called them “the largest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy”.

As it left Portsmouth earlier, Commander Angus Essenhigh, said their deployment would “do much to build on existing alliances, establish and strengthen new relationships and contribute to maritime security”.

HMS daring was the first of the warships to be completed in 2009. The last, HMS Duncan, entered service in March.

When operational the Daring class destroyers are equipped with Sea Viper anti-air missiles.

They are able to carry 60 troops and have a flight deck which can accommodate a helicopter the size of a Chinook.

Source: BBC.