HMS Argyll sails home to warm reception 30.03.12
7The families of sailors on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll welcomed her home this morning as she returned to Plymouth after six months in the Middle East.
She has been operating as part of the 25-nation Combined Maritime Forces, based in Bahrain, to strengthen maritime security and stability in the region.
Commander Paul Stroude said: "After a long deployment it is vitally important that everyone has the opportunity to take leave, spend time with their families and friends and, essentially, re-charge their batteries.
"My ship's company and I are glad to be home after an extremely demanding yet professionally fulfilling six-month deployment which would not have been possible without the support of our families."
During her deployment working with ships and aircraft of coalition nations HMS Argyll escorted the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln through the Strait of Hormuz.
Since leaving Plymouth HMS Argyll has sailed over 36,600 nautical miles, the equivalent of one and a half times around the globe, burning approximately 3,300 tonnes of fuel in the process.
Among the 650 cheering families awaiting her return this morning were two babies who last saw their fathers when they were born.