HMS DEFENDER

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!