Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless enjoys the Gulf in Dubai

Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless has enjoyed a well-earned break from her high-tempo operational deployment to the Gulf with a stand-down in Dubai.

The stand-down period gave the ship’s company the chance to catch up on maintenance that cannot be completed at sea including work on the ship’s Lynx Mk 8 helicopter.

The air defence destroyer hosted several high profile visitors during her time alongside, including the Deputy Commandant General Royal Marines, Brigadier Richard Spencer OBE.

Brig Spencer, the head of Royal Marines personnel, visited the ship to meet the Royal Marines Boarding Team (RMBT) embarked in Dauntless to support her wider role carrying out Maritime Security Operations (MSO).Having a RMBT gives Dauntless the capability to stop and board suspect vessels thought to be involved illicit activities, helping to protect the vital Sea Lines of Communication the UK’s economy relies on across the globe.But it was not all hard work and the ship’s company were able to enjoy the sights of Dubai including visits to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

Some also took the opportunity to venture out into the desert on a 4x4 excursion and the cycling club worked up a sweat taking on the local routes including the Al Qudra Cycle Path.