We are now cutting across the English Channel after a 2-hour stop off DARING’s affiliated Island of Guernsey. With press onboard, the weeks of planning for our first entry are starting to become reality. Once again, there have been some challenges, not least the weather. The Irish Sea was at its worst on Saturday night and many of the Ship’s Company were introduced to the dubious pleasure of sea-sickness. All well by Sunday lunchtime, when we took a couple of hours off to do a Concept 2 rowing competition. Two machines were set up on the Flight Deck and while the engineers did some full power trials and the Ship threw up a huge wake, a few brave souls rowed their hearts out. We have also completed a series of aviation related exercises, in preparation for the arrival of a MERLIN helicopter while at anchor on Monday.
Relating to bVT, Captain Paul Bennett, daring, HMS Daring, Paul Bennett, Portsmouth, royal navy, Surface Fleet, T45, Type 45 Destroyer.
We marched onboard HMS DARING and claimed her as our new home last Wednesday (10th Dec). It was a brilliant, crystal clear, cold Glaswegian winter day and, with the exception of the General Alarm (that started sounding half way through my speech and finished as soon as the Ship’s Company had marched onboard!), the event was a great success. Well done to bVT and UK Defence Industry for building such an excellent ship and, for the Ship’s Company, a warm welcome to the newest ship in the Navy.
Relating to bVT, Capt Paul Bennett RN, christmas, Electric, EU, Glasgow, royal navy, sea trials, T45, Type 45 Destroyer.
As a mid 40, moderately low tech captain of a very high tech ship, the concept of a blog is fairly new to me. Nevertheless, with 2 teenage daughters to encourage me, I thought it might be of interest if I provided a few thoughts on one of the most exciting projects in Defence at the moment.
Relating to bVT, HMS Daring, royal navy, Type 45 Destroyer.