The Royal Navy’s two newest warships are set to be dazzling double act as the newest naval technology features alongside the historic prowess of the naval fleet of the past, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860, at this summer’s Navy Days event at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard.
The new formidable Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring and HMS Dauntless are among the most powerful warships in the world and for the first time together they will open their hatches to the public for the three-day event, which runs Friday 30th July – Sunday 1st August.
Navy Days 2010 promises to be one of the most popular events on the South Coast this summer, featuring serving warships of the Royal Navy, ships of foreign navies, thrilling naval displays, historical re-enactments and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Other ships on display will be two Type 23 Frigates, one of the mainstay ships of the modern surface fleet. The public will also get a rare chance to see specialist Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus – an aviation training and casualty receiving ship. Her hospital facility includes four operating theatre tables, ten intensive care beds, 20 high-dependency beds and 70 general ward beds. Argus is one of few ships in the world to have a CT scanner and is similar to RFA Largs Bay which is currently helping the aid effort in Haiti.
Captain Paul Lemkes, Deputy Naval Base Commander, said: “Navy Days is a fantastic opportunity for the Royal Navy to be able to show the public, close up, the capabilities it contributes to UK Defence. I am particularly delighted that we are planning to have two Type 45 destroyers on show in their home port so that visitors will be able to see how the Royal Navy is maintaining its place at the forefront of maritime operations with this cutting edge class of warship.
“I am sure that RFA Argus will be a big hit with visitors too. She is a one-off ship with a very special capability and does not often get the chance to have the public on board.”
For the adventurous and active visitor there is the chance to see if they have the skills to join the senior service on challenging displays, simulators and climbing tower in Action Stations. Whilst there, they can also see Carrier Strike, an interactive exhibition detailing the aircraft carriers of the future.
This spectacular event ensures that there is always something going on around every corner from awe-amazing military displays of the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter team and the Royal Marines Display Team, to displays of strength, courage and teamwork from the Field Gun Crews of HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood, army parachute teams, motorcycle displays and of course the military band.
Robert Bruce, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is co-hosting the event with the Naval Base, added: “Navy Days 2010 will be a brilliant event for all ages, showcasing the Navy's present and future capabilities including its people and, especially at Portsmouth, its heritage too. There's nowhere else in the country that you can see this great mix and we're expecting it to be the highlight of this summer on the south coast."
Over 800 years of naval history will be brought to life at every turn with historical re-enactment displays, a cast of hundreds of costumed characters and the welcoming doors of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior 1860 will open wide to guarantee a fantastic, fun-filled day out for all the family!
Further information, including ticket details, is available from the Navy Days website – www.navydaysuk.co.uk
