HMS DRAGON (D35) Leaving Portsmouth 10/12/2024 first time out for over a year after a refit

[@martinchamberlain542]

Dragon is a handsome and purposeful vessel. On that tonnage, she is nearer a light cruiser than a destroyer. We should have built twice as many.

[@swifty2202]

She is Martin love the Dragon on the front wish I could have got closer but the cam was at full zoom appreciate the comment👍

[@johnbollen1322]

I love the type 45s, so graceful. And Dragon with her bow decoration is stunning. Great music by the way!

[@jessiec8857]

Nice to see it fully refit back on the seas again 😊

[@swifty2202]

It was Jessie and a nice clear day for a change 🤗

[@angieward2762]

Oops I somehow missed this one, great video Swifty, 🤗

[@swifty2202]

You missed it Angie 😱not like you but you've seen it now thank you 🌻🌻🌻

[@michaelthomas8693]

Such a magnificent and beautiful ship love the dragon picture on the ship thank you Swifty you are a true friend especially to capture this amazing and unique ship yes she maybe like her brothers and sisters in shape and form but this ship has the heart of the dragon and may the dragon keep everyone safe 🥹🥹🥹👍👍👍👏👏👏 but you still have to laugh/love the tugs it’s like one tug is pulling for dear life at the front and at the back it looks like a tug is either trying to catch up or just turn off his engine and enjoy the ride lol 👍👍😉😉😁😁Anyway great bit of camera work Swifty glad to see you back on the ball ( and not stopping up at night with me lol ) great work my friend and Godspeed to the crew of the dragon 👍👍👍👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙂

[@swifty2202]

Thank you Michael for the comment matey and while I'm at it thank you for all the night cruise ship times you do for us cheers and it's appreciated 👍

[@SidBurgess-y4c]

God Speed

[@swifty2202]

Yes indeed Sid but she only went out for 24 hours probably testing the new systems that were changed on her refit, thanks for making a comment appreciated 👍

[@martynwatson200]

Crew looking forward to ‘work up’ after Xmas?

[@swifty2202]

Martyn that's what they deserve time off from a busy year thank you for the comment 👍

[@edwinmorris1635]

Surely it could have the capability to leave port without a tug. Bow thrusters etc ?

[@swifty2202]

All ships which include warships, cargo ships and cruise ships get escorted out of Portsmouth by tugs as the channel out is narrow and very close to the beach and land I would imagine for safety reasons always has been always will be but thanks for making a comment appreciated 👍

[@swifty2202]

Just Googled this Adwin of the reasons why and answer to your question (To ensure a safe passage through the approach channel and apply steering and braking forces to a disabled vessel by escorting tugs and to keep it afloat, or limit the impact of collision or grounding if they unfortunately happen)

[@edwinmorris1635]

It's a warship which is going to find itself in lots of difficult situations. I was at the docks in Immingham some time ago and the ships were doing all sorts of difficult manoeuvres, including sailing through very narrow channels.

[@normarcand1097]

Does it run on its own or are the tugs permanent?

[@swifty2202]

Hi nomarcand the tugs escort her out of Portsmouth until she's well on her way then leaves her to carry on with her journey unaided hope that answers your question 👍

[@geraldthomas8948]

To much tugging you're doing.

[@angieward2762]

Great video, loving the music and the gulls chipping in lol 😊

[@edwinmorris1635]

You're thinking of Russian ships.

[@captbumbler5356]

safe tour of duty, to all aboard

[@swifty2202]

I guess she will do a tour soon Capt Bumbler but she only went out for 24 hours probably testing the new systems that were changed on her refit, thanks for making a comment appreciated 👍

[@upursanctum]

My favourite modern day ship. Biased.....Yes

[@swifty2202]

Welshy biased of course you are and so you should be it has a wonderful design of the Welsh Dragon on the front it's just a shame it was so far away to get a close-up but glad you enjoyed watching it 👍

[@glynbrozek8281]

Bring back leanders