Royal Navy’s newest warship visits London

Rob PowellNavy, News

A ROYAL Navy Type-45 destroyer sailed up the Thames to West India Docks today.

The port visit to the capital is the first by HMS Duncan – the sixth and final of the Daring-class ships which were built by BAE Systems Maritime.

By the time she reached the Thames Barrier, the 8,000 tonne ship was accompanied by a trio of Svitzer tugs – Brunel, Bootle and Harty – and several police vessels were present, too.

Members of the public will have the chance to look around the Type-45 during the port visit – tickets for tours remain available at the time of writing.

It’s the first of three visits by HMS Duncan in both the United Kingdom and Germany to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland.

Commander Charles Guy RN commented: “I’m honoured to be here in London to commemorate the immense sacrifices made at the Battle of Jutland 100 years ago this month.

“Although the technology has changed spectacularly, as demonstrated so clearly here in HMS Duncan, I can’t help thinking that for all for all the social changes over the past 100 years, those men at Jutland aren’t altogether different from the young men and women under my command today.”

HMS Duncan is the Royal Navy’s newest warship, having been commissioned in 2013 and then going on her maiden deployment to the Middle East for nine months in 2015.

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HMS Duncan makes her way up the river, passing the Sikh temple at Gravesend. One of the Cap San container ships an be seen alonside at London Gateway in the distance.

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The Daring-Class ship passes Gravesend roof tops on her way up the Thames.

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At Greenhithe approaching the QEII Bridge

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Heading under the QEII Bridge

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HMS Duncan transits through the Thames Barrier

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© Rob Powell 20/05/2016. Type 45 Destroyer HMS Duncan arriving in London for a port visit. Credit: Rob Powell

The ships motto translates as “Upright in prosperity and peril”

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HMS Duncan goes under the cable car connecting Greenwich with the Royal Docks