HMS Defender Sails Into Portsmouth Naval Base For First Time
23/07/2012
HMS Defender – the fifth of six formidable air defence warships being built for the Royal Navy – arrives in her home port of Portsmouth for the first time on Wednesday (July 25). Later the same day the Type 45 destroyer will be formally handed over to the Royal Navy during a ceremony on the ship’s flight deck.
Built by BAE Systems, the ship was launched in October 2009 from its Govan shipyard in Glasgow.
Final stages of construction and systems integration were then carried out at its Scotstoun yard in the city and the ship has since been carrying out sea trials in Scottish waters.
For her arrival into Portsmouth HMS Defender will be passing the Round Tower, Old Portsmouth, at approximately 9.30am.
During the 30-minute handover ceremony – involving BAE Systems staff and the 190 crew - the ship’s Blue Ensign will be lowered and replaced by the Royal Navy’s White Ensign.
The first Type 45, HMS Daring, arrived in Portsmouth in January 2009 and the sixth and final ship – HMS Duncan – is due to arrive in Portsmouth early next year.
The Type 45s are the largest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy and all will be based in Portsmouth.
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender Leaves Glasgow
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HMS Defender
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