Chunga Latte: The Launch of HMS Duncan 11th October 2010

The bridge of HMS Duncan (D37)

Last week I had the privilege and excitement of seeing the launch of a warship on the Clyde in Scotland. HMS Duncan was the sixth and final Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer to be launched. It also may possibly be the last ship to be launched in this way.
The weather was beautiful, with the warm sun shining in the blue sky. It was mild and there wasn't much breeze. The anticipation built up as the band played and then various displays went on. Even the cranes couldn't keep still and were seen moving along their rails and turning around. In one of the enormous sheds, the hull one of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers was taking shape, but work on it was stopped today for Duncan.
Then at last the time came for the service to start. Prayers were said by the Chaplain of the Fleet and then we all sang the Naval Hymn, accompanied by the band of the Royal Marines. After another prayer and the National Anthem, the ship was named by Mrs Marie Ibbotson, wife of Vice Admiral Richard Ibbotson CB DSC Deputy Commander in Chief Fleet. A few seconds of delay later and the ship gently and quietly slid backwards along the slipway to huge cheers, balloons being launched and a firework display.
Later we watched the tugs racing around her, pushing and pulling and revving their engines loudly whenever they needed to. Then she was pushed into the dock as the shadows lengthened and the sun began to set. The crowds began leaving, like a tide going out. It was the end of an amazing day and the beginning of the life of one of the most modern, state of the art warships ever to be built.