Navy

Royal Navy Ship Steams Home Just In Time For Christmas

The last of the Royal Navy's ships due to make it home in time for Christmas has steamed into Portsmouth.

The Minehunter HMS Atherstone had left the UK more than three years ago on an epic voyage to conduct security operations in the Gulf.

It's a deployment that saw her rack up more than 51,220 nautical miles, complete more than 8,630 hours on operations and visit 12 countries across three continents.

Her current crew of 45 took over in July this year as the vessel continued its mission to provide a Royal Navy presence and maintain freedom in one of the world's busiest and most valuable areas of ocean.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Mark Headley said: ‘Our homecoming is a fantastic finale to a highly successful six months deployed upholding the UK’s reputation of operating some of the finest front-line mine warfare forces in the world, together with building partner capabilities and reassuring other nations."

"To bring HMS Atherstone back to Portsmouth three years and seven months after she set sail for deployment is a rare privilege within the mine countermeasures community. Arriving home in time for Christmas is obviously a huge bonus and my crew can now enjoy some well-earned rest and leave."

HMS Atherstone Returns To Portsmouth For Christmas

Prior to HMS Atherstone's return to her home port the ship conducted route surveys, seabed clearance and mine clearance operations.

Built in Southampton the minehunter was launched in 1986 and is the third Royal Navy ship to bear the name Atherstone.

Her return comes as Admiral Sir George Zambellas, the First Sea Lord, delivers his Christmas message to the 'Senior Service', looking back at the past year and looking forward to 2016.