Navy

HMS Richmond Returns Home After Nine-Month Deployment

HMS Richmond has returned to Portsmouth after a nine-month deployment.

During that time the crew of the Type 23 Frigate, who were welcomed home by family and friends this morning, seized drugs worth over £29 million.

The ship was involved in two drugs busts, the first capturing £26.5 million of heroin and the second seizing £3 million of cannabis.

She also joined the European Union-led operation to tackle people smuggling. The crew was involved in multiple of rescues, saving hundreds of lives as well as putting smuggling vessels out of use.

Chief Petty Officer David House, from Gosport, was reunited with his eight-month old daughter Sophie who was born during the deployment while he was on paternity leave. He said:

"It's amazing to come back and to have my family here and to be back just in time for Christmas."

Commander Mark Anderson, the ship's commanding officer, said:

"We have achieved a great deal during this deployment. I am extremely proud of every single member of my ship's company; together we have saved lives, stopped traffickers, and disrupted illegal narcotic smuggling, helping to protect UK interests globally."

The ship's crew were welcomed home by the Royal Marines Band Service

But poignantly, the 200-strong crew paid tribute to a colleague, Engineering Technician Marine Engineer Charles Warrender, from North Thoresby, Lincolnshire, who died while on shore leave in the Seychelles.

A gap was left as a mark of respect as the sailors lined up on the Type 23 frigate's flight deck as the ship pulled alongside.

The local police launched an investigation into his death in August, which is understood to be drugs and alcohol related. Cdr Anderson said:

"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with his [ET(ME) Warrender's] family and friends; his presence onboard is sorely missed."

During the nine-month deployment, HMS Richmond clocked up more than 40,000 miles as it carried out security patrols of the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

One sailor, meanwhile, got down on bended knee to propose to his girlfriend as the warship came into port in time for Christmas.

Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler) Ben Baker rushed off HMS Richmond as it arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base, Hampshire, to pop the question to 20-year-old Megan Van Baaren who accepted. The 22-year-old from Plymouth, Devon, said: