HMS Newcastle (D87)

HMS Newcastle (D87) was a Type 42 destroyer of the Royal Navy. She was the third ship of her class and was commissioned in 1978. Newcastle served in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and various other deployments around the world during her career.

As a Type 42 destroyer, Newcastle was primarily designed for air defence. She was armed with Sea Dart surface-to-air missiles, as well as a 4.5-inch gun for surface engagement. She also carried anti-submarine torpedoes.

During the Falklands War in 1982, Newcastle provided air defence for the British task force and was involved in several engagements with Argentine aircraft. She successfully engaged and shot down a number of Argentine aircraft during the conflict.

Newcastle also served in the Gulf War in 1991, providing air defence for coalition naval forces. She conducted maritime interdiction operations and provided support for land forces.

After a long and distinguished career, Newcastle was decommissioned in 2005 and subsequently scrapped. She was a vital asset to the Royal Navy for many years and saw action in numerous conflicts.