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Naval Forces News - UK, USA |
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Royal
Navy type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless joins US Navy aircraft carrier
USS Carl Vinson in Gulf |
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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.
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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)
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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. |
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HMS
Dauntless conducting a replenishment at sea with the USS Carl Vinson
(CVN 70) carrier strike group. Picture: Royal Navy
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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." |
