This is the first time a Type 45 destroyer – the most advanced
warship in Britain’s arsenal – has appeared in the shadow of the Rock,
one of the world’s iconic natural sights.
On her maiden deployment, HMS Daring made her debut in Gibraltar –
the Fleet’s traditional refuge, 1,000 miles from the mother country.
The Rock was shrouded in mist and rain when the Type 45 destroyer
entered harbour – joining Mediterranean-bound minehunter HMS Ledbury in
the naval base.
Once alongside in the shadow of The Tower (or was it The Tower in
the shadow of Daring given the height of her main mast, more than 100ft
above the waterline), the first of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45
destroyers hosted a reception for the Rock’s leaders.
Among those shown aboard Daring (dubbed a ‘superdestructor’ –
super destroyer – by the Spanish press across the border) were
Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and the territory’s governor,
Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns (who knows a little about Type 45s as his
wife Susie is the sponsor of HMS Diamond).
The ship also hosted visits from local schools, Air Cadets, the Sea Scouts and the Royal Gibraltar Association.
For one member of the 200-strong ship’s company the visit to Gib was a (very brief) homecoming.
As Daring’s ‘bish’, Father Charles Bruzon provides crucial moral
and spiritual support to the sailors and Royal Marines aboard the
8,500-tonne destroyer.
The ship’s chaplain hails from the Rock – and his family were
waiting for him on the jetty for a short reunion before the Type 45
resumes her eastward journey.
No visit to Gibraltar is complete without the Navy’s traditional
‘Rock race’ – from the dockyard to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar,
with the ship’s physical training instructor LPT Simon Radford spurring
the men and women on.
“The race was really well attended by the ship’s company – despite the very early start,”
said Simon.
“There were some very tired-looking people at the top – but luckily there were no proper casualties
.”Daring will be away for six months helping to keep criminal
activity in check in waters from the Red Sea to the Gulf as part of the
international naval effort clamping down on piracy, terrorism, drug
smuggling, people trafficking and other nefarious maritime activities.“
Seeing the Rock as you sail in is a sight you never forget, and always one you welcome seeing
,” said Capt Guy Robinson, Daring’s Commanding Officer.
“Gibraltar is an iconic place to visit – a place held dearly
in people’s hearts. You could not enter the Mediterranean without
stopping here.”His enthusiasm for the Rock was matched by Mr Picardo’s
enthusiasm for the ship. “It’s been a great honour to be received by the
captain and crew of HMS Daring and welcome them to port on behalf of
the people of Gibraltar.“
The vessel is a very important asset to the Royal Navy in its
worldwide task to protect British interests and those of the free world.
“Gibraltar is always proud to provide its full support to the armed forces in their hugely important mission.”
Gib – and the rain – are now distant memories; escorted by fast
gunboat HMS Scimitar, one of the RN Gibraltar Squadron boats which
defends the Rock, Daring has resumed her mission, leaving the territory
under brilliant clear skies.HMS Daring made good use of the presence of
Scimitar – commanded by the Type 45’s former navigator Lt Tom Knott. The
destroyer’s crew practised their reactions against small fast-attack
craft – a threat they could potentially face on operations.The clear
skies also allowed for some impressive photo opportunities with the
imposing outline of the Rock as the backdrop, before Scimitar turned for
home and the mountain disappeared from view.
* Notícia publicada al lloc web oficial de la Royal Navy. Desitgem molts èxits a l'HMS Daring.
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