Type 45 Destroyer fires guns on trials at sea

HMS Dauntless recently finished a fruitful period at sea, during which the crew undertook a variety of essential training exercises.

According to a tweet from the ship’s official account, the team successfully completed 13 pilotages, demonstrating their ability to navigate effectively in challenging maritime conditions.

A successful period at sea:

✅13 pilotages
✅Engine trials
✅Personnel endorsed
✅Seaboat manoeuvres
✅MOBEXs (Man Overboard exercises)
✅Weapon firings
✅Weapon trials@RoyalNavy @RNJobsUK pic.twitter.com/ywo2ZnTCCq

— HMS Dauntless (@HMSDauntless) August 30, 2024

Crew members received endorsements as part of their training, validating their skills and readiness for various roles within the Royal Navy. In addition to these important activities, the crew practiced seaboat manoeuvres, which are vital for the effective launch and recovery of smaller vessels.

Safety was a priority during this training, as the team participated in several Man Overboard exercises (MOBEXs). These drills prepare the crew to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations. The ship also conducted weapon firings and weapon trials, testing the effectiveness of its armaments.

This follows a recent period of maintenance and upgrades, according to a statement from the ship’s official Twitter account.

Dauntless is headed back to sea for trials and training to prove systems and increase our readiness.@RoyalNavy @RNJobsUK @HMSPWLS @HMSQNLZ #nildesperandum pic.twitter.com/nD1h54BxG4

— HMS Dauntless (@HMSDauntless) August 21, 2024

HMS Dauntless was officially commissioned on 3 June 2010. After successfully completing its first Sea Viper missile test on a Hebridean range, the ship was formally accepted into Royal Navy service in November of the same year.

In May 2011, Dauntless participated in Exercise Saxon Warrior in the Western Approaches, culminating in the intense ‘Thursday War’ scenario. The following month, the destroyer made a transatlantic journey to Norfolk, Virginia, to take part in the FRUKUS war games alongside naval forces from Russia, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. During this deployment, Dauntless conducted joint manoeuvres with the Russian destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, which included cross-deck helicopter exercises involving the ship’s two Lynx helicopters.

This marked the first such deployment on a Type 45 destroyer.

In September 2011, Dauntless became the first Type 45 destroyer to visit London, berthing opposite London City Airport for the Defence and Security Equipment International event. Later that year, in November, the destroyer hosted the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gül. In January 2012, Dauntless was deployed to the South Atlantic to replace HMS Montrose around the Falkland Islands, a move that drew criticism from the Argentine government, who viewed it as an escalation of military presence in the region.

Under the command of Captain William Warrender between 2011 and 2012, Dauntless continued to serve in various operations. In 2015, the ship was redeployed to the Middle East, where it conducted anti-piracy patrols and provided escort to the U.S. Navy’s USS Carl Vinson during airstrikes against Islamic State. In November of that year, Dauntless participated in an anti-ballistic missile warfare exercise with other NATO vessels.

By 2016, reports indicated that Dauntless had been relegated to use as a training ship due to personnel and technical challenges, a status later confirmed while the vessel awaited refit.

In 2019, Dauntless underwent a significant regeneration refit in Portsmouth before moving to Birkenhead in 2020, becoming the first Type 45 destroyer to receive new generators under the Power Improvement Project. The ship returned to sea in June 2022 after completing this refit.

In 2023, Dauntless deployed to the Caribbean, undertaking guardship duties and playing a critical role in seizing over a tonne of cocaine from drug smugglers. The ship also supported hurricane preparedness efforts in Anguilla, Montserrat, and the British Virgin Islands.