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On this day the first of the Navy's new class was launched in Glasgow...
On 1st February 2006 the first of the Royal Navy's new class of ship, the Type 45, was launched at Scotstoun on the Clyde.
HMS DARING, made of sections built in Glasgow and additional bow and mast sections from Southampton, slipped into the waters of the Clyde watched by workers, their families and on the opposite bank, members of the public, who had a first rate view from Braehead shopping centre.
The Type 45 was a godsend to the Clyde, ensuring work there right up until the last of the six anti-aircraft destroyers, HMS DUNCAN, completed sea trials on the Clyde last year.
HMS DARING attracted a lot of attention, a modern futuristic looking destroyer and a showcase for the Royal Navy power and British shipbuilding skills.
The Countess of Wessex, as sponsor, christened the ship at the yard.
Her sea trials commenced on the 17th July 2007 and completed successfully om 14th August. She attained her design speed of 29 knots and further speed of 31.5 knots and in March of the following trials began on her radar, navigations and some weapons systems. More trials were executed in 2008 to fully test her comms systems as well as conduct crew training and familiarisation.
Finally she arrived at her home port, Portsmouth on the 28th January 2009, and to a welcome from crowds wanting a glimpse of Britain's newest and most powerful destroyer. A flypast further engrained the sense of a new era as she passed the Round Tower.
Her formal commissioning, attended by the Countess of Wessex, was held on July 23rd 2009 and the ship was officially declared to be in service on 31st July 2010.
It may seem a long time from steel cutting to full service, but it has to be borne in mind this is one of the most complex ships ever built for the Royal Navy, with eye-watering electronics, computer systems and powerful weapons and radar, to get it right takes time and she was the first of class.
Her list of affiliates is long and varied!
HMS Daring is affiliated to:
The City of Birmingham
The Bailiwick of Guernsey
Worshipful Company of Carpenters
HMS Forward
Royal Dragoon Guards
RAF 11 Squadron
RAF 23 Squadron
HQ RCDM Selly Oak Hospital
Accenture
Longport Group
Richardsons
4th Knowle Sea Scouts
King Edwards School CCF
Mercia District SCC
Guernsey SCC
Small Heath School
Rigby Hall Special School
The D-Boats Association
Daring Association
Midland Naval Officer’s Association
Daring Security
Aston Villa FC
In 2012 she undertook a seven-month deployment to the Gulf and visited 12 countries in her 34,643 miles voyaging. She is currently (Feb 2014) on a nine month deployment which initially saw her working with forces from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia as part of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement but she was taken off this and re-taskled to assist in humanitarian relief efforts, delivering aid to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan hit on 7th November 2013.
For a complete set of photos showing her from building in the covered hall at Scotstoun to trials on the Clyde, see
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