HMS DEFENDER

HMS DEFENDER
"Defendendo Vinco"
D36 - Newsletter
issue 10 | SUMMER 2013
WHAT IS NEXT
As always there are busy times ahead
for Defender. Firstly our interim
Executive Officer, Lieutenant
Commander John Childs, has departed
us having done a fine job in his short
time onboard. His relief, Lieutenant
Commander Ben Keith, has now
permanently joined us. Lt Cdr Keith
has experience as both a Pilot and a
Principle Warfare Officer. He has
settled in well and is now at the
forefront of leading HMS Defender
through successful completion of
BOST and on to deployment next year.
Commissioning Ceremony - 21 March 2013
DEFENDER JOINS THE FLEET
Welcome to the Summer 2013 edition of our newsletter. A lot has happened since our last
update, with more trials, commissioning, port visits and the usual high tempo of charity
events and liaison with our friends and affiliations. Our commissioning day especially was
a great success and a huge day for the ship as the final milestone for Defender's entry
into the Fleet. It was good to see so many of our family, friends and affiliates there with us
on the day; thank you all for joining us and helping make the day so memorable.
Elsewhere, Defender undertook its first two visits to non-base ports in this period, firstly to
North Shields, and then further afield to Hamburg, Germany. Both were fantastic 'runs
ashore', but more importantly reinforced the importance the Royal Navy still plays in both
domestic and international affairs. In both places the reception was brilliant, but being able
to take part in the UK's 'GREAT Britain' campaign in Hamburg was something really
special, our first taste of defence diplomacy at the sharp end and a great example of how
the Royal Navy is ever relevant in the 21st Century.
In preparation for Basic Operational
Sea Training, or BOST for short, we
will be undertaking more training at sea
to ensure we are up to the task
including weapons, damage repair and
Ops Room training. The ship will also
undergo a maintenance period and
capability upgrade, including the fitting
of the Phalanx close in weapon system
to ensure we are thoroughly prepared
in all respects for the heavy demands
of BOST in the Autumn.
And finally in the longer term we are
looking ahead to deployment on
operations across the globe. The Type
45 is a versatile platform which means
we must be ready to deploy to any
theatre, be it the Gulf region, the South
Atlantic the Far East or the Caribbean.
Ship (optional)
FROM THE CAPTAIN
Our focus throughout this term has been
to complete trials, start to prepare for
operational tasking and to commission
Defender with an appropriate amount of
'pomp and circumstance'. We have
achieved the first two goals and those of
you who were with us on the 21st March
for Defender's Commissioning Ceremony
will be well placed to decide whether we
achieved the third, despite the cold and
rain. I think we did (but then I would) an
given the amount of positive feedback I
have received it would seem that others
agree. Commissioning was a truly
special day for all involved in this ship's
life and was characterised by all that is
good about Defender - professionalism,
pride, style and passion. Thank you to
all who made the day possible.
Commander P D Nash
fleetgraphicscentre 12/642

FIRST UK VISIT
NORTH SHIELDS
COMMISSIONING CEREMONY
On a brisk Thursday in March, HMS Defender was commissioning into the Royal
Navy. The ceremony, held alongside in HMNB Portsmouth was attended by over 500
friends, family and affiliates, and presided over by the Chaplain of the Fleet.
Principal guests included our sponsor Lady Massey who launched the vessel at BAE
Systems’ Govan shipyard on the River Clyde on 21 October 2009 - and the Fleet
Commander, Vice Admiral Philip Jones CB.
With Guard of Honour in place and divisions proudly lined up in front of the ship, the
hour-long ceremony began. As part of the ceremony, Commander Nash read the
Commissioning Warrant, the Chaplain of the Fleet led hymns and prayer and the day
was rounded off in traditional Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of the
commissioning cake by Mrs Rebecca Nash and ET Stephen Smith in a thankfully
warm marquee.
Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said:
“HMS Defender’s commissioning is a significant achievement and testament to the
hard work of MoD and industry teams to deliver these hugely capable vessels to the
Royal Navy. The six state of the art Type 45 destroyers will play an important role in
protecting UK interests from global threats.”
The commissioning of HMS Defender was one of three significant events in the week
for the Type 45 class. On the Tuesday, HMS Dragon sailed for her maiden, sevenmonth
deployment to the Middle East, whilst on Friday the sixth and final Type 45,
HMS Duncan, arrived in Portsmouth for the first time to begin her sea trials.
HMS Defender spent its first weekend
away in North Shields in February,
undertaking regional engagement as
well as allowing respite for the Ship's
Company during trials.
Over the weekend the ship played host
to local defence industry leaders, three
local cadet groups, the Tyneside branch
of the Royal Naval Association and a
group of college students studying the
uniformed services. We also welcomed
our light blue cousins as a group of
battle space managers from RAF
Boulmer toured the ship and learnt what
life is like for their counterparts, what
the Navy call 'Fighter Controllers'.
Commander Nash said:
“It is a real honour to be able to bring
this fine ship of ours to a port away from
home for the first time. My ship’s
company have been working
exceptionally hard, training and trialling
the Ship; to be so well received by the
people of North Shields is a welcome
break and hugely appreciated by us all".
Photo courtesy of Mr Kevin Blair.
FIRST FOREIGN VISIT
HAMBURG, GERMANY
HMS Defender made its first ever foreign
visit to the city of Hamburg to take part in
the port’s 824th birthday festival.
The festival, named ‘Hafengeburtstag’,
marks the birthday of the port each year
and is attended by vessels of all shapes
and sizes. From giant cruise liners and
warships to paddle steamers and tall
ships, all take their place in the parade.
This year was attended by 79 major
vessels and all number of small craft. The
festival also includes events on the
riverside such as live bands, carnival rides
and huge numbers of stalls and traditional
German food tents.
Defender was alongside in Hamburg for
six days overlapping this world renowned
festival. The ship took pride of place in the
centre of the festival alongside the
German Frigate, FGS Sachsen. On the
first night alongside there was no rest for
the Ship’s Company who conducted an
extremely successful capability
demonstration. Attendees ranged from the
State of Hamburg Senate to senior military
dignitaries. It allowed Defender, the fifth
type 45 in class, to show its potential.
The visit also gave opportunity to open the
ship to visitors for two days with around
3,000 people attending each day. It was
received very well by the public, with a
number of guests leaving with Defender
merchandise to show to friends and
families.
Mr William Gatward of the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office said, “The visit of
HMS Defender was another boost to
British visibility in Hamburg. The Captain
and his crew have the thanks of the British
Embassy in Berlin for making this their
first overseas port call and for promoting
wider British interests in Germany.”
One of the highlights of the festival was a
firework display on the Saturday evening,
attracting hundreds of thousands of
visitors to the banks of the River Elbe. The
display was begun with a laser show on
board the cruise ship AIDAluna and
concluded with a huge fireworks display
from the south side of the river.
Overall it was an extremely successful trip
for Defender. The balance of formal
functions, defence diplomacy and respite
was struck perfectly with all onboard
enjoying the sights and sounds of
Hamburg.
For more on Hamburg, turn the page!

MORE ON HAMBURG
Although Hamburg was a busy time for the Ship’s company, the opportunity was
taken to go ashore and show off sporting talents. The Defender Lions rugby team
were hosted by the Hamburg Exiles for what was to be Defender’s first sporting
fixture on foreign shores. The game was played in Great Spirit and a fine display of
rugby by Defender saw an impressive winning score line of 57-7. All the players had
outstanding games however note must be made for a strong prop forward display
from AB Tetaur who rightly earned himself Man of the Match.
MINI FLIGHT DECK
Whilst in Hamburg, Defender, as one of
the main attractions, was not alone in
representing Great Britain but was joined
by a Mini Cooper in Union Jack colours as
part of the ‘GREAT mini tour’, itself part of
the ‘GREAT Britain’ campaign launched
by the Prime Minister in September 2011.
The car was placed on the flight deck for
the Capability Demonstration and the Ship
Open to Visitor days. The hangar also
included a video display explaining the
purpose of the tour and two members of
the FCO were on hand to discuss all
things GREAT Britain (and to hand out
freebies!).
The tour started on 17 January when Her
Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Her
Royal Highness Princess Eugenie drove
the car from the Brandenburg Gate to the
British Embassy in Berlin (see: http://
ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/news/
view=News&id=850074482/). The GREAT
Britain MINI will travel to all 16
Bundesländer (German federal states) in
the course of 2013.
Mr William Gatward of the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office said: "For me, the
visit was one of the most interesting stops
for the GREAT Britain MINI. It has allowed
us to make thousands of Hamburg’s
citizens more aware of the GREAT
campaign and the GREAT Britain MINI
Tour and highlight British strengths in
innovation and technology. Lifting the
GREAT Britain MINI on board also gave
us some wonderful footage for the next
version of the GB MINI Tour
documentary!”
Defender showed a flair for football when entering themselves into a 5-a-side
competition held at the local Army barracks in Hamburg city centre. Eight teams
entered the competition from different navies spanning Canada to Russia. The
competitive streak was running strong and brought some great games of football
against the German and the Russian sides. Due to the format of the competition both
Defender sides ended up meeting each other in the semi-finals, Defender ‘A’ winning
by 4 goals to 2. This then brought an exciting final against the Polish team. As true
English footballers, the team took the final into penalties with a superb penalty from
AB Barrowcliff ensuring Defender won the competition. A great day was had by all
with the German Army running a great competition.
The ship also took part in a target shooting competition with 5 from Defender joining
around 60 representatives from countries including Germany, Canada, Russia and
Denmark took part. Each person was allowed two ranging shots followed by three
scoring, allowing a maximum of 30 points.HMS DEFENDER's team ended up having
three people in the top fifteen with the best shot, AB(WS) Wilcox, scoring a grand
total of 24.
Commander Nash said: “My ship’s company are really honoured to have been so
warmly welcomed throughout the course of Hamburg’s 824th Hafengeburtstag
festival. In return we have hosted around 3000 visitors a day for tours of Defender
and talking to our guests I know that they have enjoyed a real insight to the workings
of this new state of the art warship.
He adds: “We have also witnessed first hand the close links we enjoy with the
German navy – being berthed side by side with FGS Sachsen is clear demonstration
of that strong bond between our two services."
Sub-Lieutenant Nick Watts sums it all up: “We all enjoyed our time alongside in
Hamburg, and have found it hard to leave. A trip well worth while writing home about!”
A huge firework display rounded up the festival on the last day including a laser
display from cruise ship AIDAluna:
Commander Nash said: "I think the icing
on the cake for visitors has been to see
the GREAT Britain Mini on the flightdeck –
the combination of Defender and the mini
have provided an unusual, unique and
spectacular reminder of the strength of
British innovation and technology.”
You can follow the GREAT Mini on its
travels on Facebook: www.facebook.com/
ThisisGREATBritain/.

DREAM-A-WAY UNVEIL
LATEST CARAVAN
ALL GUNS BLAZING
Defender recently fired every gun onboard in a series of weapon trials off the South
Coast.
The trials meant the Ship's Company were been busy testing every single system to
make sure the ship is ready for future operations when tasked. From radars to
engines, computer systems to radios they have all had their turn, but recently the
upper deck gunnery systems took centre stage in the trials programme.
Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Pearce Royal Navy, Weapon Engineer Officer of
HMS Defender, said: “It’s much more than just making the guns go bang; these
intense trials have ensured that all our equipment functions precisely as designed. It
has also given our teams, both maintainers and operators, a chance to really get
some ‘hands on’ ordnance engineering under their belts.”
“The ships motto is ‘Defendendo vinco – By defence I conquer’ and our upper deck
weapons will allow us to achieve that in spades. “
Petty Officer Weapon Engineer ‘Russ’ Mcardle said: “It is a huge privilege to be
working with weapons and sensors at the forefront of technology and to be able to
maintain systems that will be the bedrock of the Royal Navy for years to come. The
team have really ‘dug out’ in keeping us on track for operational tasking later this
year and this is just one piece in the jigsaw of life onboard a modern day warship
under the White Ensign."
Saturday 27th April saw another
milestone for our affiliated charity
Dream-A-Way, with the opening of their
latest caravan at Devon Cliffs, Sandy
Bay, Exmouth.
The official opening was conducted the
charity's President, Nigel Mansell. Petty
Officer Simon Williams, as HMS
DEFENDER's Honourary Vice
President of the charity, represented the
Ship. Although a bit blustery the sun
shone on the day and made for a great
unveiling, for what is now their 9th
Caravan.
Dream-a-Way provides holidays and
day trips for local people of all ages with
learning difficulties, disabilities and
serious illness within the southwest
region.
HMS Defender is proud to be able to
support Dream-A-Way.
ROAD TO TWICKENHAM
During a busy working week and with
preparations well underway for Basic
Operational Sea Training (BOST), HMS
Defender’s Ships Company found time to
promote sport and fitness. With the
annual Army vs Navy rugby match
approaching, DEFENDER’s Ship’s
Company took the opportunity to raise
funds for the RNRM Charity by taking part
in the “Road to Twickenham” event.
This challenge required units and
establishments from across the Fleet to
cover the distance from their base to
Twickenham by means of a sporting
method. The options included running,
swimming, cycling and rowing -
DEFENDER’s Ship’s Company chose the
latter and decided to row the 80 miles
from Portsmouth Dockyard to
Twickenham.
Eighty personnel each rowed one mile
(1610m) to achieve the final goal. Two
Concept 2 rowing machines were placed
in the hanger for all personnel and
contractors to see and support throughout
the day. The day began at 0800 with LPT
Sutton and Lt Cdr Keith (XO) challenging
each other. Unfortunately for Clubz the
XO won by a mere 5 seconds (Clubz has
got to allow someone to win now and
again and who better to lose to than your
Boss for added brownie points!).
Throughout the day rowers were coming
in thick and fast and there were queues of
people waiting for their turn to challenge
one another for the fastest time of the day.
In the end 68 different personnel each
rowed a mile, from the Captain to ET,
Chief Stoker to AB, with the added
mileage made up from 6 Ships Company
who rowed more than once. A special
mention should be made for LS Thorpe
and AB Stocker who each rowed 4 miles!
The fastest time of the day was tied
between LET Wareing and ET(WE)
Brough with a fantastic time of 5m 29s.
The fastest female for the day was AB
Kelly with a time of 6m 43s.
A fantastic day was had by all who came
to row and support such a worthwhile
cause. £121.12 was raised in total which
will be donated to the RNRM Charity.

AFFILIATIONS
HMS Defender is proud to be supported by:
Our Lady Sponsor, Lady Massey
Civic Affiliations:
City of Glasgow
City of Exeter
Useful links:
HMS Defender’s Website -
www.royalnavy.mod.uk
City of Glasgow – www.glasgow.gov.uk
Trades House of Glasgow –
www.tradeshouse.org.uk
Merchants House of Glasgow –
www.merchantshouse.org.uk
City of Exeter – www.exeter.gov.uk
Worshipful Company of Fletchers –
www.fletchers.org.uk
Worshipful Company of Farmers -
www.farmerslivery.org.uk/
Exeter Flotilla – www.exeterflotilla.org
Paddle Steamer Waverley –
www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
Dream-A-Way Charity -
www.dream-a-way.co.uk
12 Regiment Royal Artillery – www.army.
mod.uk/artillery/units/12_regt_ra
Charities:
Kelbourne Park School - A children’s special needs school in Glasgow.
Dream-A-Way - An Exeter based charity that provides holidays and outings for
disabled people of all ages throughout South West England.
Livery Companies, Houses and Incorporations:
Worshipful Company of Fletchers
Worshipful Company of Farmers
The Trades House of Glasgow
The Merchants House of Glasgow
The Incorporation of Weavers, Pullers and Shearers
The Incorporation of Hammermen
Military:
12 Regiment Royal Artillery
29(R) Squadron RAF
Glasgow and Strathclyde URNU - HMS SMITER
Exeter School CCF
TS EXETER - The City of Exeter Sea Cadet Corps
TS GALATEA - The City of Glasgow Sea Cadet Corps
13 (City of Exeter) Squadron – Air Training Corps
The Exeter Flotilla
RMA Exeter
Others:
The Paddle Steamer Waverley
The D-Boats Association
Exeter Chiefs RFC
Exeter City Football Club
Don't forget Armed Forces Day is 27th June 2013!
29(R) Squadron RAF - http://www.raf.mod.
uk/organisation/29squadron.cfm
D-Boats Association – www.d-boats.co.uk
TS EXETER - www.exeterseacadets.co.uk
TS GALATEA -
http://www.units.ms-sc.org/glasgow/default
13 (City of Exeter) Squadron –
Air Training Corps – www.13atc.co.uk
Exeter City Football Club -
www.exetercityfc.co.uk/
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club -
www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/