 HMS Clyde will be deployed to the Falkland Islands for five years |
The first warship to be launched at Portsmouth Naval Base for almost 40 years has been commissioned. HMS Clyde, a 262ft (80-metre) offshore patrol vessel, is due to leave for a five-year deployment in the Falkland Islands in August.
The ship is owned by a private company and will be chartered to the Ministry of Defence for five years.
Falklands veteran Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks was among the naval dignitaries to attend the event.
Highly capable
The traditional commissioning cake was cut by the youngest member of the ship's 40-strong company, 22-year-old Able Seaman David Maund, and Andrea Hopper, wife of HMS Clyde's commanding officer Simon Hopper.
The Clyde is described by the MoD as a "highly capable and versatile vessel" with state-of-the-art air and surface surveillance radars, a 30mm gun mounting and the capability to operate a variety of helicopters from her flight deck.
She also has accommodation for an embarked military force as well as the normal ship's company.
VT Group, which built HMS Clyde, will be responsible for maintaining the ship. After five years the MoD will have the option to extend the charter, return the ship or purchase her outright.
HMS Clyde will replace two older vessels - Dumbarton Castle and the former Leeds Castle, which has already been decommissioned.
Last year HMS Clyde was the first vessel to emerge from the Hampshire naval base since 1967, when Leander-class frigate HMS Andromeda was completed.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
