HMS Diamond sailors back for Christmas 21.12.12
21Sailors aboard the Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond were reunited with their loved ones when it returned to Portsmouth Naval Base in time for Christmas.
The Type 45 destroyer sailed into the port having completed its maiden deployment to the Middle East.
Diamond has sailed more than 31,000 miles on security and counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf since leaving Portsmouth in June having launched the nation's Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a ceremonial entry into the base and a tea party on its flight deck.
During the deployment, Diamond transited the Suez Canal before taking over from sister ship HMS Daring.
The ship then spent the following five months as part of the Combined Task Force, a 27-nation partnership promoting security in the area.
Petty Officer from the ship David Turner said: "It has been a busy few months but working with the other navies has been enjoyable, as have all the fascinating places we have visited.
"Although what we have achieved has been immensely rewarding, after six months away it is good to know that we are back in time to be reunited with our loved ones for Christmas."
Commodore Michael Cochrane, commander Portsmouth flotilla, said: "We welcome Diamond back after what has been an exciting and high-profile deployment for the ship's company, whose work has seen them entering new fields of interest for the air defence community. I am sure they will enjoy their well-earned period of leave."
Commander Ian Clarke, Diamond's commanding officer, said: "We have achieved a tremendous amount this deployment and I pay tribute to my fantastic ship's company."
As well as time at sea in the region, Diamond has visited Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Gibraltar, Crete, Athens and Barcelona.