Let the sea trials begin
HMS Defender has left Portsmouth to take part in intensive training ahead of a busy year as part of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Carrier Strike Group 21 mission
The Type 45 Destroyer recently sailed from Portsmouth to take part in intensive training to prepare for missions around the world this spring on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s landmark deployment.
Launched in December 2009, HMS Defender is the fifth of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers. Together with her sister vessels, Defender is one of the most advanced warships ever constructed.
After a period of essential maintenance, HMS Defender will undergo drills and exercises to ready the ship’s cutting-edge kit ahead of her deployment later in the spring.
Defender is earmarked for upcoming missions in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia-Pacific region on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Carrier Strike Group 21 mission.
“It is a great feeling to be able to take HMS Defender back to sea after this period alongside for maintenance. Despite the additional challenges caused by COVID-19, the achievement of my ship’s company and our other industry partners is hugely impressive and another important milestone in our generation for deployment.”
— Commander Vince Owen, Commanding Officer of HMS Defender
Defender worked closely with HMS Queen Elizabeth late last year on the Carrier Strike Group workout in the North Sea in preparation for operations.
Alongside sister ship HMS Diamond plus Type 23 frigates and warships from NATO allies, Defender formed the ring of steel around the aircraft carrier that is designed to protect the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers from enemy ships, submarines, aircraft and missiles, but are also capable of conducting a range of supporting missions, from maritime security to disaster relief.
The Type 45 destroyer took some time in Portsmouth to undergo essential top-to-bottom maintenance ahead of a busy 2021. This included capability upgrades being fitted, a fresh coat of paint and routine upkeep on the exterior of the state-of-the-art multifunction radar, which required a massive 80 tonnes of scaffolding to access it.
“Having been alongside since October, it will be great to go to sea and get back into the swing of things. I’m really looking forward to deploying later this year.”
— Tom Longley, Engineering Technician
The Carrier Strike Group is set to deploy around the world later this spring. Keep an eye out here for more stories as HMS Defender embarks on global operations.
