THE image is a bit blurry but the lines are unmistakeable.

This is the Navy’s newest weapon... as seen from her oldest.

As destroyer HMS Daring merrily ploughed through Scottish waters on sea trials, she passed through the sights of HMS Superb, the ‘grande dame’ of the Silent Service at 31 years of age.

After seven months out of action undergoing an overhaul, Superb was keen to prove herself to the team from the Flag Officer Sea Training.

And so it was that she ‘came across’ the Type 45 destroyer on her maiden voyage.

Daring may be the centre of attention in the maritime world presently, but that doesn’t mean a venerable lady cannot teach her a thing or two.

“It just goes to show that Superb still has what it takes,” said Commanding Officer Cdr Steve Drysdale.
“She’s got plenty of life in her yet and the crew really pulled together to ensure the success of our operational sea training.

“I am proud of the professionalism, team spirit and camaraderie displayed during the rigours of work-up, which obviously concluded with this very satisfactory outcome.”

The hunter killer, based at HMNB Clyde, received improved weapons systems and communications kit while out of action.

See September’s Navy News for a report on Daring’s trials.