The UK Royal Navy has commissioned its sixth and final type 45 Daring-class anti-air warfare destroyer, HMS Duncan (D37), at Portsmouth Naval Base.
In July 2009, Royal Navy had commissioned the first type 45 anti-air warfare destroyer, HMS Daring, and later followed by sister ships Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon and Defender.
The first four type 45s have experienced life on operational deployments, while the fifth in the row, HMS Defender, is expected to be deployed for the first time in next year.
HMS Duncan is expected to continue an intense period of trials and training around the UK, until it is ready to take operational tasking, along with other sister ships across the globe.
Duncan commanding officer commander James Stride said the commissioning ceremony is a major milestone in the life of HMS Duncan.
"Today also marks the effective end of the type 45 build programme with the final destroyer now commissioned," Stride said.
"We are delighted that it was shared with so many distinguished guests, friends, family, affiliates and former Duncanites."
The type 45 destroyers have been designed to replace the type 42 frigates, currently in service and deployed by the navy since the mid-1970s.
Designed to boost UK’s naval air defence capabilities over the next 30 years, the type 45 frigates will support missions including anti-piracy and anti-smuggling activities, disaster relief work and surveillance operations, as well as high-intensity war fighting.
Image: UK Navy has commisoned the sixth and final type 45 Daring-class anti-air warfare destroyer, HMS Duncan. Photo: courtesy of UK Royal Navy.
