New Commanding Officer of "Guernsey's Warship" visits

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 14:20

Commanding Officer for HMS Daring CDR Graeme Hazelwood

HMS Daring could return to Bailiwick waters next year.

Commander Graeme Hazelwood took control of the Royal Navy ship that is affiliated with Guernsey in July.

The Type 45 Area Air Defence Destroyer has been undergoing repairs since 2018 and hasn't been in local waters since 2016.

Cdr Hazelwood says he aims to reaffirm the connection with the island.

"Daring has been going through a fairly significant upgrade package; these are complex and high-performing warships, and it is a part of the lifecycle to be upgraded.

"In Daring's case, it has been a bit longer than planned, but we are coming to the end of that process.

"We expect to be at sea next year, and high on our priorities is visiting the island of Guernsey.

"A part of this visit is to try and identify opportunities or windows next year that would be the best time for both us and the island to maximise a visit."

Cdr Hazelwood says that ideally, they would visit for four days in 2026, welcome the public on board, and use it as a recruiting opportunity.

He says these are tense times globally.

"We absolutely have to be ready for war fighting.

"I know that comes as a scary thought for some, but that is the reality.

"But I will say that is also just one part of the job; the rest is maintaining the sea lines of communication and maritime trade, and being there for things like disaster relief or humanitarian support."