Mar 26 - HMS Dragon Embarks on its Maiden Voyage to the Middle East
Appearing majestically amidst the grey mass of cloud and sea, Type 45 Destroyer, HMS Dragon docked in at Gibraltar yesterday morning for the crew’s first overnight stay on their Maiden voyage to the Middle East, where the vessel is set to carry out anti terrorist operations.
The vessel’s prime role is Air Defence, in order to protect the UK National and allied forces against enemy aircraft and missiles. She is fitted with the UK variant of the world-leading Principal Anti-Air Missile System which includes the UK designed Sampson multi functional radar. The radar includes a feature that allows for those on the bridge to see a 3D image of the entire ship; it is also capable of scanning the surrounding area.
With a company of 240 on board, there is never a dull moment, nor a dull job. The company includes nine Royal Marines, including Royal Marine Commander Neil Prescott and perhaps one of the most enthralling characters on board the vessel, an Executive Warrant Officer who fought in the Falklands in 1982, when he decided to join the Navy.
One feature of the HMS Dragon that proved particularly eye catching was Captain Iain Lower’s chair; a £20,000 Rolls Royce car seat donated to the vessel, by the car manufacturer.
Before the Ship and Crew embark on their 7 month mission later today, after refuelling and stocking up on ammunition, the Company is set to carry out the famous Rock Race, which has fast become a tradition amongst Navy vessel crews.
A number of former Royal Navy ships also donned the title, HMS Dragon, including a 100-ton ship built in 1512 under Sir William Sidney, in the war with France. Former vessels with the same name have received the most battle honours of any Royal Navy vessel.
The ship also carries a 25-year-old Lynx helicopter, which assists the ship in its effort to carry out anti air defence operations.
Captain Iain Lower, who is no stranger to the ever welcoming Rock, explained that Gibraltar had proved ‘an absolutely rock solid place to visit’. The Captain first visited Gibraltar during the 1980s, when he delivered Yachts to surrounding Mediterranean countries, before he joined the Navy. During his first run ashore in the Navy, in 1990, Captain Lower stopped.
