History in the making as last Type 45 is launched
October 11, 2010 by localnews · Leave a Comment
HMS Duncan newly launched in the Clyde
Words – Linsay Keough
Pics – Stuart Maxwell
As H.M.S Duncan slipped into the Clyde, the unanswered question on everyone’s lips was: ‘How many more happy days will there be for the workforce at the BAE yard?’
As the expectant throng filed down Govan Road to the yard, a shop along the way still had the funeral tribute poster to Jimmy Reid displayed in the window. There was a feeling that as many had come to pay their respects as had come to wave off the Duncan.
The Duncan is the sixth and final Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare destroyer built for the Royal Navy at the BAE Govan shipyard.
Named after Admiral Viscount Adam Duncan, who defeated the Dutch fleet in the Battle of Camperdown, it’s fitting that HMS Duncan was launched on the 213th anniversary of that battle.
And while Defence cuts loom over shipbuilding that made the Clyde so famous, Alan Johnston, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division claimed: ‘Workforce morale is very good, despite constant speculation. They realise that there are economic considerations to be made.’
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, added: ‘I wish I could end this period of uncertainty for everyone today, but we will all have to wait a couple of weeks. All I can say is that the Royal Navy will need frigates in the future.’
Among the former soldiers and sailors in the crowd, throngs of schoolchildren had come from across the city and beyond, to see Mrs Marie Ibbotson, wife of Vice Admiral Richard Ibbotson, Deputy Commander of the Fleet, send Duncan down the slipway.
This is the last time this 200 year-old traditional launch will take place. It is almost certain future building will be in dry docks or on rafts.
Evan Robertson, 5, of Craigend said: ‘The best bit was seeing the big boat going into the water.’
