DEVIL’S Point will be busy with families and friends of Royal Navy sailors next week as HMS Monmouth returns from a seven-month tour of duty.
They will be waving in the Devonport-based frigate which has been patrolling the Arabian Gulf whilst on a counter piracy and security tour.
DEVIL’S Point will be busy with families and friends of Royal Navy sailors next week as HMS Monmouth returns from a seven-month tour of duty.
They will be waving in the Devonport-based frigate which has been patrolling the Arabian Gulf whilst on a counter piracy and security tour.
For the rest of the families it will be a long-awaited reunion when they meet their loved ones on the jetty.
A Royal Marines Band will join the families in Devonport Naval Base and there will be a flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter.
HMS Monmouth’s commanding officer, Commander Gordon Ruddock, said: “The value of the past seven months has been to assure our friends in the region of the United Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the long term.
“We have had a busy few months where we have provided both assurance to friendly powers and legitimate maritime traffic, and deterrence to those who would commit illegal acts in international waters which impact directly the UK economy. My team have done a tremendous job over the past seven months and are now looking forward to some well deserved leave with their families.”
Affectionately known as ‘The Black Duke’ ‚Äì a reference to its traitor namesake ‚Äì HMS Monmouth last saw UK waters back in October 2012.
Since then it has steamed over 53,000 miles, crossed four time zones and visited eight countries.
With the Lynx helicopter and embarked detachment of Royal Marines the ship has helped protect the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
While keeping a vigilant eye on the region’s shipping and during time ashore, the crew took part in adventurous training and experienced local cultures.
On May 20 the warship will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Via: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/
