HMS Daring gets official royal commissioning
ISLAND dignitaries were among those at the royal commissioning of HMS Daring in Portsmouth yesterday.
Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland, Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon and Chief Minister Lyndon Trott were present as Guernsey-affiliated warship HMS Daring - the Royal Navy's newest and most advanced warship - was formally welcomed into the fleet.
HMS Daring's commanding officer, Captain Paddy McAlpine, said the ceremony was an important day for the ship and her company.
'Our affiliation with the island of Guernsey and its people is something of which we are very proud.
'It is a place steeped in naval history and one where we receive a very warm welcome and encounter people who are excited to hear about the work we do. It gives me immense pride to be here at this momentous occasion as the ship's commanding officer.
'HMS Daring opens a new chapter in the illustrious history of the Royal Navy,' he said.
A silver ormer bowl with the Guernsey crest in gold, made by silversmith Bruce Russell, was presented to Capt. McAlpine on behalf of the people of Guernsey.
The ship's sponsor, the Countess of Wessex, who was in Guernsey earlier this month, was a special guest yesterday at the 'naming' ceremony at Victory Jetty, Portsmouth Naval Base.
