Navy welcomes high-tech destroyer

HMS Dauntless, the second of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 destroyers, was formally commissioned into service at Portsmouth Naval Base, Hampshire.

Hundreds of guests, including families of the 190 crew members, attended the service with principal guests including Commander-In-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Trevor Soar.

Ship commanding officer Capt Richard Powell read the commissioning warrant and the ceremony was rounded off in traditional Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of a cake. Performing the honour were the CO's wife, Carolyn, and engineering technician Robert Clough, 17, who is the youngest member of the ship's company.

Capt Powell said: "The ship is able to deal not only with today's threats but most importantly tomorrow's and will be a key element of the 21st century Royal Navy."

Dauntless is the second of six Type 45 destroyers being built for the Royal Navy, all of which will be based in Portsmouth. They have nearly twice the range – about 7,000 miles – and are 45 per cent more fuel-efficient than the Type 42 destroyers they are replacing in the 6bn project.

They are capable of sailing 3,000 miles, operating for three days and returning home without the need to refuel.