MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' veteran HMS Exeter, star at London Boat Show

HMS Exeter in London

A veteran destroyer of the Falkland Islands conflict, HMS Exeter has taken a starring role at this year's ten day London Boat Show which officially opened on Friday.

The Type 42 destroyer is hosting several high-profile receptions, lunches and dinners on behalf of show organizers during the event at ExCel. The vessel is also open daily to visitors to learn about the role of the modern Royal Navy and how it fits in with the UK maritime community. Royal Navy frigates have been popular attractions at the show since 2004 but this year is the first time a destroyer has been involved. Type 42 Destroyers form the backbone of the Royal Navy's anti-air capability. They are equipped with the Sea Dart medium range air defence missile system, designed to provide area air defence to a group of ships whilst being effective against surface targets at sea. In addition to their role as an air defence platform, Type 42 Destroyers operate independently carrying out patrol and boarding operations. Exeter's Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Brown, said: "I am delighted and extremely proud that HMS Exeter has been given the opportunity to represent the Royal Navy at one of the country's most important maritime events". "The RN is as relevant today as any point in its history and it is fitting that we are at the show as an integral part of the UK's maritime community", he said. "I hope that we will be able to give the public a flavour of life on board a warship and some idea of what the RN does when we are out of sight over the horizon".