Thousands line the River Clyde to watch Dragon launch

Nov 18 2008

HMS Dragon

THOUSANDS of onlookers watched as Dragon, the fourth of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 class of anti-air warfare destroyers, was successfully launched from the BVT Surface Fleet shipyard at Govan on Monday.

Coming just days after her sister ship, Dauntless, departed the Clyde ahead of sea trials, Dragon slipped into the River Clyde for the first time.

She's the fourth of six Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers being built and will be able to carry up to 60 Royal Marine Commandos and operate a Chinook sized helicopter from its flight deck.

The Lady Sponsor, Mrs Susie Boissier, wife of Vice Admiral Paul Boissier, Chief of Staff, named and launched the ship in front of a crowd of almost 12,000.

The ceremony included a display by the Royal Marines and entertainment from sea cadets from across the UK.

To celebrate the launch of the iconic ship, an 18 metre long image of a Welsh dragon, was attached to the bow of the ship.

Speaking after the launch, Chief Executive of BVT Surface Fleet, Alan Johnston said: "The launch of Dragon is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the progress that is being made on this programme here on the Clyde and I am delighted that so many people have turned out to share this occasion with us.

"Only four days ago, the second ship in the class, Dauntless departed the Clyde on her maiden voyage, her first set of sea trials off the west coast of Scotland and today we have seen her magnificent sister ship take to the water for the first time.

"Each of these milestones on the Type 45 contract is testament to the innovation, design and engineering skills of our employees and partners and proof of our commitment to building the next generation of warships for the Royal Navy."

The fleet of six Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers, in concert with the recently announced Future Aircraft Carrier part of which will also be built at Govan, will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defences for much of the first half of the 21st century.

Each destroyer will be able to engage a large number of targets simultaneously, and defend aircraft carriers or groups of ships, such as an amphibious landing force, against the strongest future threats from the air. The vessels will contribute a specialist air warfare capability to worldwide maritime and joint operations in until 2040.