ONE of the Royal Navy’s most modern warships will be open to the public this weekend.
HMS Dauntless, a 7,300 tonne Type 45 destroyer, and her 150-strong crew docked at Northumbria Quay, North Shields, this morning for a five-day visit.
The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Adrian Fryer, said a warm welcome awaits visitors to the 152m-long vessel when she opens to visitors on Sunday, from 10am until last boarding at 3pm.
The vessel is the newest and most technologically advanced warship in the fleet and the fifth ship to bear the HMS Dauntless name.
The ship is affiliated with the city of Newcastle, taking over the mantle of HMS Newcastle, and entered service in June 2010.
The Dauntless name has roots in South Tyneside, as the fourth HMS Dauntless, a light cruiser, was launched at Palmer’s Jarrow yard in April 1918.
Also on Sunday, a Ship’s Company Review parade will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre.
The parade is due to start at 11.30am with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle taking the salute.
Commander Fryer said: “We are lucky enough to enjoy a great level of interest and support from around the North East, and it is a real pleasure to be able to bring such an advanced warship ship for them to view.
“I know that my ship’s company is looking forward to welcoming people on board when the ship is open to visitors, and they will be delighted to chat about their jobs, what the ship has been doing, and what life is like in the modern Royal Navy.”
On Monday night, Commander Fryer hosts an official reception for 120 guests, including the senior naval officer in Northern England, Commodore Dickie Baum, onboard ship, with the Royal Marines Band playing ceremonial sunset.
The ship will slip her moorings at around 10am on Tuesday.
HMS Dauntless is equipped with a state-of-the-art air defence system which can track and destroy a target the size of a cricket ball travelling at three times the speed of sound.
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