HMS Dragon crew ready for an Ulster Fry!

HMS Dragon has been at sea undertaking a variety of gunnery, missile and aviation exercises, while working up to an intensive training package in the autumn before deploying in the New Year.

This has seen all 190 members of the crew engaged in a variety of complex war fighting and damage control training, enhancing the ability of the crew to work in harmony with the leap in technology that the ship has to offer.

Belfast comes as a welcome and eagerly awaited visit by the fourth of six Daring class Type 45 Destroyers and the most recent Royal Navy warship to enter service, having done so on April 27.

HMS Dragon visited her affiliated city of Cardiff in March, a call that will pave the way for the Belfast’s own affiliated ship, Duncan – currently undergoing the final stages of her build programme on the Clyde – to visit in 2013. HMS Duncan, as she will become once commissioned, will enter service next year and an advance party of personnel from Duncan will be joining Dragon’s ship’s company to engage with local dignitaries and to prepare for her ‘home town’ visit.

HMS Dragon will be hosting selected tours of the vast and highly complex warship for organisations such as the Royal Naval Association, local Sea Cadets and the Emergency Services. Given the short duration of the stay the ship will not be open to the general public on this occasion, though a football team from HMS Dragon will be challenging the Police Service of Northern Ireland to a challenge match at New Forge Lane.

The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Darren Houston, said: “I am delighted to be visiting the City of Belfast. The historical ties between the Royal Navy and the city make this a popular destination for ships and we hope to enjoy the vibrant culture that makes this a highlight of our programme this year.”

“This is not the first time that members of my ship’s company have visited Northern Ireland and the attractions of the Odyssey Arena and an ‘Ulster Fry’ are amongst those highlighted as must see and do’s for the Dragon sailors.”

Dragon will be berthed at Stormont Wharf arriving on Monday morning and departing at 11am on the Wednesday.