The latest of the UK Royal Navy's new Type 45 air defence destroyers was formally commissioned into the fleet last Friday.
HMS 'Diamond' is the Royal Navy's third Daring-class destroyer to be built by BAE Systems in Govan. She is one of six multi-role vessels being built to provide air defence using the Sea Viper missile system.
She can embark 60 troops and their equipment, supported by a modern medical facility that can deliver a surgical capability. She could also carry up to 700 people to support a civilian evacuation.
All the Type 45s will be based in Portsmouth. The first, HMS 'Daring', was commissioned in July 2009, followed by HMS 'Dauntless' in June last year.
The fourth, 'Dragon', is due to arrive in Portsmouth for the first time in September. All six are scheduled to be in service by the middle of the decade.
