The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Gulf.
There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th.
Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter.
The Black Duke returns after patrolling the area as part of an international effort to deter piracy and smuggling, taking her turn to provide the standing commitment to Maritime security in the region which the Royal Navy has maintained for over 30 years.
Handing over the duty to fellow Welsh affiliated warship HMS Dragon last month, HMS Monmouth celebrates her 20th year of service on May 20th this year.
[mappress] Press Release, May 20, 2013; Image: Royal Navy