HMS Duncan slips moorings under cover of darkness for second phase of Op Firecrest

While the sight of a British warship departing Portsmouth harbour under the cover of darkness is not particularly rare, it is slightly unusual. 

HMS Duncan slipped her moorings just after 10pm, illuminated only by her navigation lights and the glow of the city – a stark contrast to her arrival just a few weeks earlier.

After some well-earned rest and recuperation, it is now time for the crew of the Type 45 destroyer to head for northern European waters, and the second phase of Operation Firecrest. 

• Tears, cheers and jubilation as HMS Duncan follows flagship into Portsmouth Harbour
• Shoring up northern defences: What we know about new UK carrier strike group deployment
• HMS Prince of Wales, replete with F-35Bs, docks in Iceland during Operation Firecrest

The UK Carrier Strike Group have been operating alongside the US, Canada, and other Nato allies in a show of commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.