HMS Dragon is one of UK's most sophisticated ships ever
One of the Royal Navy’s newest and most sophisticated ships is coming to Liverpool for four days.
HMS Dragon, a state-of-the-art Type 45 destroyer, will sail into the city this Friday, berthing alongside the Cruise Liner Terminal until Monday, March 10.
During her stay on the Mersey, the ship will host potential Royal Navy recruits, sea cadets, college students, Royal Navy reservists from HMS Eaglet and other local organisations.
Sunday’s Sea Cadet visitors will come from across the north west and on Monday, a number of young catering students from Hugh Baird College in Bootle will join HMS Dragon’s own chefs to help prepare lunch for some of the ship’s 190 crew.
“This is a very busy visit to Liverpool for us,” said Captain Iain Lower, commanding officer of HMS Dragon. “We are delighted to be able to host such a diverse range of groups.
“We hope that those who come on board over the weekend will leave with a better understanding about our exceptional ship, her crew, the modern Royal Navy and the role we play in protecting and promoting the interests of the UK both at home and further afield.
“I know my crew is looking forward to being able to making these visits as informative as possible. .
“Of particular interest to those on board are our colleagues from the Royal Navy Reserve at HMS Eaglet and the potential new RN recruits.
“While we are unable to open the ship to the public on this occasion, I have no doubt that Liverpool will extend its well-known hospitality to the visiting crew.”
HMS Dragon, the fourth of the Type 45 destroyers, only joined the Fleet in November 2012.
The UK's six Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced warships the nation has ever built. Their mission is to shield the fleet from air attack using the Sea Viper missile which can knock targets out of the sky up to 70 miles away if necessary.
The Type 45s can also be used as general-purpose warships; they have huge flight decks to accommodate helicopters up to the size of a Chinook. There’s enough space on board to host a Royal Marines detachment up to 30-men strong.
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