The Lieutenant Commander of HMS Daring is in Guernsey this week, to reinforce the island’s connection with our affiliated warship while marking the King’s Official Birthday.
Lieutenant Commander Preston, who is the Royal Navy representative and engineer officer for the warship, will be at the Lieutenant-Governor’s reception at Government House today to raise a toast to His Majesty.
Lt Cdr Preston said he is keen to build community links and raise awareness about the Forces while he is here.
HMS Daring entered service in 2009, and has previously visited Guernsey.
By 2017 she needed a refit, and has been out of service for eight years, with work ongoing at the cost of millions of pounds.
The warship is set to be back in service in 2026, with the navy hoping she’ll serve until 2040 at least.
Affectionately known as ‘Guernsey’s ship’ Lt Cdr Preston told Express that she will potentially be visiting the island next year, with her “regeneration for upkeep” currently happening in Portsmouth due to completed by the end of July.
“We will be moving the ship’s company on board straight after, so we’re up to about 95 personnel and growing. That’s when we move the sailors out of the barracks onto the ship,” said Lt Cdr Preston.
“She’s a type 45 destroyer with a role as an air defence destroyer with the ability or the purpose of protecting aircraft carriers when they go out.
“In the modern world, technology develops really quickly, so particularly with our weapons, sensors and our armament, they require updates. Daring also had a power improvement programme, so two diesel generators have been removed and being replaced with another three generators, and newer engines, which means we can stay on task for longer.”
Lt Cdr Preston explained how the ship holds a strong connection to the island, and part of his reason for being in Guernsey this weekend is to “strengthen community ties, promote awareness and understanding of the Forces to islands residents”.
By Friday, Lt Cdr Preston had already met with the Bailiff, spoken to the Lieutenant Governor, and met with students in Elizabeth College’s Naval Combined Cadet Force.
The King’s Birthday Reception on Saturday morning is one of the biggest annual events at the Government House and is an opportunity for His Excellency to present and congratulate those who have received honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
His Excellency himself has received a Knighthood in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Lt Cdr Preston explained that “re-inforcing connection” is all about engaging with the community by attending key events such as those this weekend, and also talking with people who want to hear more about the significance of HMD Daring and also what a career in the Forces looks like.
“I look forward to spend some time with the Combined Cadet force, they are the affiliations. The idea of community, is to learn from them and and then be able to tell them a little about my career in the Navy over the last 28 years, and maybe answer questions that they have.”
Mike Spillar, the Bailiff’s representative for HMS Daring, organised the Royal Navy visit this weekend. He added how important Guernsey’s affiliation with the warship is.
“The island as a whole is a very strong recruiting base for the military, and we have, to my knowledge, one person in the iItelligence Corps in the army, one in the Royal Marine Band service, also a couple of naval helicopter pilots.
“Increasing and maintain that awareness is key. It’s obviously easier to do when the ship is physically here, and normally when it’s out at anchor. It makes a fairly clear message of its presence.”