HMS Diamond crew praised for repelling Houthi attacks as destroyer ready to return to operations
HMS Diamond's sailors have been praised for their bravery in patrolling the Red Sea amid Houthi drone attacks and smuggled weapon busts, as the vessel prepares to return to operations.
The Type 45 destroyer eliminated drones as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian – an international task force set up to protect global commercial shipping from the Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
She destroyed nine drones using her Sea Viper missile system and guns and has markings on her flanks to symbolise the kills.
The Royal Navy vessel is now docked in Gibraltar to restock and resupply after her stint in the Red Sea from November to January.
Since leaving Portsmouth on deployment, HMS Diamond has sailed almost 20,000 nautical miles on patrols and her Wildcat helicopter has completed over 53 hours of sorties over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – making her crew the Navy's busiest.
Alongside in Gibraltar, James Heappey praised the ship's company and discussed the vessel's recent and future activity.
The Armed Forces Minister said: "HMS Diamond has played a vital role defending freedom of navigation, saving innocent lives, and protecting merchant shipping from illegal Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. It was a pleasure to visit the ship and her crew while they were alongside in Gibraltar.
"I am hugely thankful for British Forces Gibraltar’s support for HMS Diamond and, in turn, their contribution to Operation Prosperity Guardian."
HMS Richmond is currently on Operation Prosperity Guardian while HMS Diamond restocks in Gibraltar.
The MOD said the stop demonstrates British Forces Gibraltar's "critical role" in supporting the UK military's ability to combat current and future threats.
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