19/04/2015 00:00
TW
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One of the Royal Navy´s biggest and most powerful warships will be visiting the Puerto Palma over the coming weeks as she returns home after a deployment in the Gulf and after attending the anniversary events commemorating the ill-fated Dardanelles landing during the First World War.
HMS Dauntless, is Type 45 destroyer and is one of six which are presently serving in the Royal Navy.  Costing in excess of one billion pounds to build she is one of the most powerful vessels in the Royal Navy fleet.
The type 45 destroyers are built around the  Sea Viper missile system which allows them to destroy incoming missiles and aircraft. During recent trials the Sea Viper was also capable of destroying ballistic missiles as well.
The Dauntless has a crew of 190 men and women and she is bigger than a World War 2 cruiser.
During her time away, the Portsmouth-based warship has  made several stops in the Mediterranean for training as well as visiting ports in a number of Gulf states to strengthen ties in the region.
Her commanding officer, Commander Adrian Fryer, said: ‘This will be a high-profile deployment for Dauntless during which we will provide reassurance to the UK’s allies in the Gulf region, while conducting maritime security and counter-piracy patrols.
‘HMS Dauntless has been through intense training to be in a position to undertake this deployment and I am immensely proud of my ship’s company.’
Those on board are planning to mark this year’s centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign on their way home.
Dauntless will transit the Dardanelles to take part in organised events to commemorate the 100th anniversary.
Cdr Fryer added: ‘It will be a great privilege for Dauntless to support the centenary and remember the immense bravery and sacrifices that were made there.’
This will be the first visit to Palma by a Type 45 destroyer. The Dauntless will not be open to the public but Bulletin subscribers will be offered the opportunity of a tour of the ship when she arrives in Palma over the coming weeks.