HMS Diamond (D34)

HMS "Diamond" is the third ship of the Type 45 or 'D' Class of air defence destroyer (AAW) being built for the Royal Navy.

Construction and Launch

"Diamond"'s construction began at the BAE Systems Naval Ships yard at Govan on the River Clyde in February 2005. She was launched on 27 November 2007. [cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7114180.stm |title=Destroyer launches on Clyde |publisher=BBC |date=2007-11-27 |accessdate=2007-11-27] As of this date, "Diamond" is being fitted out. HMS Diamond is the third ship of its class launched with a guard from the Northern Area Sea Cadets [http://northernarea.ms-sc.org/] .

Design

The Type 45 has frequently been cited by the British press as being the first class of warship to include e-mail and entertainment systems (including iPod charging points) [cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/01/british-warships-get-ipod-docks-surround-sound |title=British warships fitted with Ipod docks and surround sound |publisher=Engadget.com |accessdate=2007-07-19] within the messdecks. These reports relate to 240v domestic supplies and access to external e-mail, both of which have been common features in most RN vessels for several years [cite web |url=http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6416|title=Some Myths (Myth 8) |publisher=Royal Navy |accessdate=2007-11-20] .

The "Daring" class will be one of the most advanced air-defence warship classes in the world. [cite news | title = World's most advanced destroyer launched tomorrow
work = The Times | publisher = Times Newspapers | page = 37 | date = 2007-01-22 | accessdate = 2007-01-23] The ship's capabilities centre on the SAMPSON Multi Function Radar which can detect targets out to a distance of 400 km and the PAAMS missile system.

Affiliations

Ship's Sponsor
*Lady Johns, wife of Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB RN

Official Affiliations
*City of Coventry
*City of Aberdeen

The City of Sheffield was offered affiliation to HMS "Diamond", but this was turned down by Sheffield City Council and the Lord Mayor, who want the city associated with another HMS Sheffield. The affiliation has now been transferred to the City of Coventry. [cite web|url=http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/council-meetings/full-council/agenda-6th-june-2007|title=Agenda of Meeting of Sheffield City Council, Wed 6 June, 2007 (Article 10)|publisher=Sheffield City Council|accessdate=2008-02-11]

References

External links

*Sheffield Star newspaper - [http://www.thestar.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=58&articleid=2894433 Campaign to rename Britain's newest warship.]
*Sheffield Star newspaper - [http://www.thestar.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=58&articleid=2946688 Navy broadside for city ship bid.]
*Naval History.net [http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-19D-Diamond.htm]