It’s great to be back, says Daring’s captain

Saturday 24th April 2010, 2:29PM BST.

HMS Daring in the Little Russel yesterday. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0957593)

CREW from HMS Daring, the navy’s newest warship, met with the island’s Chief Minister yesterday.

Captain Paddy McAlpine and Lieutenant Commander Mike Klidjian came aboard on Friday morning to Frossard House.

The Navy vessel is affiliated with Guernsey. It anchored offshore last year, but bad weather prevented islanders meeting its crew. Now it is back to strengthen its ties with the island, said Captain McAlpine.

‘We are back to give an opportunity for 100 people to come aboard and look around. It’s also an opportunity to get some of Guernsey onboard for a reception.’

Captain McAlpine said some of the new crew did not travel to the island last year, so it was a chance for them to get to know the island, too. A rugby and football match were planned for the crew as well as golf.