HMS Richmond back safe in Plymouth after shooting down drones in the Red Sea

HMS Richmond has sailed back into Plymouth after after being front and centre of the UK's mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

The frigate spent nearly six weeks around the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian – the multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the region. 

This included HMS Richmond using her Sea Ceptor missiles to shoot down attack drones launched by the Houthis on 9 March. 

• HMS Richmond hands Red Sea mission back to HMS Diamond after first Sea Ceptor shoot-down
• Watch: HMS Richmond shoots down two Houthi drones in Sea Ceptor first
• HMS Richmond takes over from Diamond to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis

It marked the first time Sea Ceptor had been fired in a combat situation since entering service nearly 10 years ago. 

The Type 23 frigate's crew also assisted a container ship that had been struck by a Houthi missile. 

Commander Richard Kemp, HMS Richmond’s Commanding Officer, said he was exceptionally proud to see the ship's crew "defeat threats in such a professional and resolute manner".

"Whilst our Ceptor engagements happened in mere minutes, their success was built upon many months of hard work, training and dedication," he said.

The ship's patrols as part of Prosperity Guardian were not her only contribution to the security effort.

The combined Royal Marines/Royal Navy boarding team, assisted by the frigate's Wildcat helicopter, searched seven vessels to ensure the craft were not carrying illegal cargoes. 

"Having the responsibility to board vessels was a testing, but enjoyable experience," said warfare specialist Able Seaman Patrick Naylor. 

"Being able to contribute to the crucial tasking of merchant vessel protection in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden really feels like we have made a difference."

Having completed her duties on Operation Prosperity Guardian, HMS Richmond handed responsibilities over to Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Diamond - which remains in the area to this day.  

The ship's company enjoyed brief periods of rest, which included swimming in the Indian Ocean and a flight deck barbecue, as well as stops in Malta and Gibraltar on the way home.  

After heading back to the UK, HMS Richmond arrived in Devonport a day early due to bad weather.