Workers wave farewell to warship

Published on Saturday 28 November 2009 19:11

A NEW £600 million Royal Navy warship left the Clyde for the last time yesterday, with workers from the BAE Systems yards at Govan and Scotstoun in Glasgow turning out to wave off Dauntless, a type 45 destroyer.

Shipyard workers from the two yards have spent the last five years building the warship, which is now due to be officially handed over to the Navy next week. Yesterday morning Dauntless left the Clyde for Portsmouth – which will be the vessel's home port.

Angus Holt, UK programmes director at BAE Systems' Surface Ships business, described it as a "fantastic day for our workforce". He added: "I'm proud of the dedication that the team has shown to ensure that Dauntless is built to highest possible standards."

Commanding Officer Captain Richard Powell has granted two of the workers who helped complete the vessel honorary membership of the wardroom – meaning they will always be welcome on board Dauntless.

The honour was given to ship manager David Connelly and operations manager Joe McEwan. Mr 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."

A combined crew of BAE Systems staff and Royal Navy personnel will sail Dauntless down to Portsmouth.