Ship Commissioned Into The Royal Navy

26 September 2013, 11:24

The sixth, and last, of a new fleet of Destroyers has been formally commissioned into the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

The Type 45 HMS Duncan will be involved in things from air defence to anti-piracy operations and disaster relief. 

Commander James Stride explained the importance of today: 

''It's like a christening, the ship was delivered by the company back in March and she'll be in service towards the end of the year. 

It's a formal ceremony to bring her into the naval service.'' 

Principal guests at Duncan's ceremony included Lady Marie Ibbotso, the ships sponsor who launched the vessel at BAE Systems' Govan shipyard on the River Clyde in October 2010 and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas. 

Families of the crew were among hundreds of guests this morning, with about a quarter from Portsmouth''.