A warship has been named as Newcastle’s official Royal Navy ship even though she will not launch until January next year. HMS Dauntless is currently being built in Glasgow and will be taking over as the city’s adopted ship from HMS Newcastle, which retired two years ago.
HMS Newcastle, which was built at Swan Hunter between 1973 and 1975, served for 27 years. HMS Dauntless, a type 45 destroyer, is due to go into active service in 2010.
All Royal Navy ships and submarines are affiliated to different towns, cities and regions so as to strengthen their ties with communities, including youth groups and charities.