'It's been a privilege', says commander as CSG21 returns home from historic deployment

The Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group has praised personnel deployed on the Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) mission, saying they "have been the finest ambassadors" for defence.

The seven-month mission comes to an end today as the final ships from the formation return to their home ports in Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Commodore Steve Moorhouse thanked everyone for their support and interest in the "historic" deployment.

• CSG21: HMS Queen Elizabeth returns home to Portsmouth today
• Watch: Hundreds greet HMS Richmond's Devonport return from CSG21
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"Our sailors, aviators and soldiers have been the finest ambassadors for UK defence and it's been a privilege to be their commander," he tweeted.

The £3.3bn aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which led the deployment, returns to Portsmouth naval base this afternoon. 

Hundreds greeted Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond's Devonport return from CSG21 on Thursday, after more than 200 days on the mission.

Type 45 destroyers HMS Diamond and HMS Destroyer, also deployed on the mission, sailed home into Portsmouth earlier ahead of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

HMS Kent will return to the base in the city on Friday.