HMS Dragon is visiting Malta from 10 to 13 November 2013. It is berthed at Pinto Wharf and will be open to the public on 11 November between 1130 and 1700.

The Type 45 destroyer is the fourth of six brand new state-of-the-art air defence warships in service.  She sailed from the UK on 19 March 2013 on her maiden deployment and, after six months in the Gulf working closely with other UK and international partners promoting security in the region and keeping trade flowing through the Straits of Hormuz, is returning to the UK.

During her deployment the ship has visited a variety of countries including Oman, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar.

The Ship’s Commanding Officer is Captain Iain S Lower Royal Navy.  Captain Lower joined the Royal Navy in 1990 and has commanded three ships: HMS Leeds Castle, the Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel; HMS Shoreham, a minehunter; and, on promotion to Commander in 2007, HMS Gloucester, an air defence destroyer, which included a rewarding return to the South Atlantic.

HMS Dragon has a ship’s company of 219, comprising 24 officers, 48 senior ratings, 147 junior ratings and three civilians. It measures 152m in length, is 21.2m wide and displaces 8000 tonnes.

About 40 crew members from HMS Dragon will be joining the Royal Marines Association for the Armistice Day Ceremony on the Saluting Battery at Upper Barrakka, Valletta on 11th November.

HMS Dragon is based in Portsmouth, UK.