New crew get to see HMS Venturer ahead of her service

The first crew have had a chance to view the under-construction HMS Venturer, set to be deployed around the globe by the end of the decade.

The lead vessel, of five Type 31 Inspiration-class Royal Navy frigates, has welcomed nine sailors to where she is being constructed, led by the warship's Senior Naval Officer Commander Chris Cozens.

The ship's company will grow to more than 100 when the ship joins the fleet.

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Cdr Cozens said: "The crew are the beating heart of the ship, turning cold steel into a warship.

"This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring an inspirational and innovative ship into service quickly through highly experienced, empowered Royal Navy engineers, logisticians and operators who will be at the forefront of this new model, trusted to deliver.

"HMS Venturer is the epitome of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, procured in a very different way where industry and Defence work seamlessly side by side.

"It is a privilege to be part of the team bringing in the very latest maritime technology to serve Britain's global ambitions."

The Type 31s are designed for a wide variety of roles around the world, with each ship in the class drawing its name from an historic Royal Navy vessel.

Venturer's name honours a Second World War submarine that famously torpedoed a German U-boat while both vessels were submerged.

She will be armed with Sea Ceptor air defence missiles, a 57mm and two 40mm guns, a 4D radar and will carry either a Wildcat or Merlin helicopter and will hold up to three sea boats.

The Type 31s are one of two classes of frigate under construction for the Royal Navy.

Commodore Steve Roberts, Deputy Director Ships Acquisition who is leading the Type 31 programme, said: "I am delighted to wish the ship's company of HMS Venturer every success in bringing her to life as an operational warship.

"This is an exciting milestone in the Type 31 Programme, and I look forward to working with them to deliver this important capability for the Royal Navy."