The Type 42 destroyer - a veteran of the Falklands conflict of 1982 - will host several high-profile receptions, lunches and dinners on behalf of show organisers during the ten-day event at ExCel which began on Friday 11 January 2008.

And the vessel is also open daily to visitors - more than 25,000 are expected to go on board over the ten days 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.

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 added:

"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."

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.