Dauntless, the second of the Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers
for the Royal Navy, has left the Clyde for the final time
today.
BAE Systems employees from the Clyde yards gathered at the
quayside in the early morning to wave the ship off on her delivery
voyage to her home port of Portsmouth. The occasion marked the
culmination of five years of hard work for the employees, who have
put their heart and soul into building the formidable warship for
the Royal Navy.
Reflecting the close partnership developed with the Royal Navy
during the build and subsequent sea trials of Dauntless, Commanding
Officer Captain Richard Powell granted Honorary Membership of the
Wardroom to two BAE Systems employees ahead of the ship's
departure. The exceptional move recognises the service that ship
manager David Connelly and operations manager Joe McEwan have given
to Dauntless and cements their long-term affiliation with the
ship's crew.
Angus Holt, UK Programmes Director at BAE Systems' Surface Ships
business, said: "This is a fantastic day for our workforce, both on
the Clyde and in Portsmouth, who have each played a vital role in
creating such a remarkable ship for the Royal Navy.
"I'm proud of the dedication that the team has shown to ensure
that Dauntless is built to highest possible standards and of the
achievements of David and Joe who have worked tirelessly with the
ship's crew to get us where we are today."
Commenting on his Honorary Membership, David Connelly said:
"It's a real honour to receive this award from the ship's Captain.
Joe and I have worked on Dauntless since her first steel cut back
in 2004 and have an enormous sense of pride in the ship. This
delivery voyage to hand her over to the Royal Navy marks the final
stage of our current roles and it's great to know that now we'll
always be welcome back on board."
Dauntless will set sail under the BAE Systems flag, with a
combined crew of BAE Systems and Royal Navy personnel. She will
enter her home port of Portsmouth on Wednesday, where she will be
handed over to the Royal Navy during a formal ceremony alongside
the following day.