Royal Navy type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless joins US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in Gulf

: Posted On Saturday, 07 February 2015 08:06

Naval Forces News - UK, USA

Royal Navy type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless joins US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in Gulf

A Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer has joined the international military operation against ISIL, protecting the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson as she launches air strikes from the Gulf. Having arrived in the Middle East just weeks ago, HMS Dauntless has already made a positive contribution to the region, conducting maritime security patrols as part of the 30-nation Combined Maritime Forces.

The air-defense destroyer HMS Dauntless (D33) transits alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex King/Released)

Fresh from this success, the men and women of Dauntless have now switched their focus to the next phase of their deployment East of Suez: defending the USS Carl Vinson as she launches jets bombing ISIL.

The Portsmouth-based warship has taken over the role from her sister HMS Defender, which performed the same role before Christmas both with the Vinson and before her the USS George H W Bush.

Using her world-beating air defence radar and advanced Sea Viper missile system, the Type 45 destroyer will protect the carrier strike group from airborne threats.

As Dauntless will carry out this role when the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class carriers commission later this decade, the experience gained now is invaluable.

HMS Dauntless conducting a replenishment at sea with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) carrier strike group. Picture: Royal Navy

As the British warship will carry out this role when the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class carriers enter service in a few years’ time, the experience of working with the Vinson will be invaluable.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, Commander Adrian Fryer, said:

“HMS Dauntless was designed to protect an aircraft carrier against threats from the air. My ship’s company and I are proud to be able to bring our world-class air defence systems to the Gulf to fulfil our primary role in support of the USS Carl Vinson.”

He added: "Along with our fellow Royal Navy warship HMS Kent, which is supporting the French Navy's aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle in the Middle East, our support to carrier strike operations against ISIL reaffirms the UK’s commitment to combat terrorism."