HMS Sutherland returns in time for Christmas
Royal Navy warship HMS Sutherland has returned to the UK after a successful six-month deployment in the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Petty Officer Kelly with his fiancee and daughters
The ship was greeted by cheering and waving families and friends wearing festive hats and holding banners with loving messages at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth on Saturday 15 December.
The ship’s Culdrose-based Merlin helicopter flight arrived back separately at the Helston air station on Friday 14 December.
HMS Sutherland has been busy conducting anti-piracy and terrorism patrols as part of Combined Maritime Forces, ensuring the sea lanes and waters east of Suez and off the Horn of Africa are safe for seafarers to conduct their daily business.
The ship conducted boarding operations on suspect vessels and also reassurance visits to build relationships with mariners and obtain information on pattern of life in the area.
Able Seaman (Marine Engineering) Dale Plumpton receives a welcome home kiss from Terri Layden [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Vicki Benwell, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
The crew also exercised with coalition and allied forces in the region to strengthen ties and improve methods of working together.
HMS Sutherland’s Commanding Officer, Commander Al Wilson, said it was a ‘magic’ time to come home at Christmas. He added:
The huge variety and diversity of task that Sutherland has fulfilled whilst on operations illustrates the inherent flexibility of the Royal Navy in protecting and promoting UK interests worldwide, whether it is preventing piracy or terrorism at sea or strengthening bonds with regional allies.
However, I could not have achieved this without an efficient, capable and highly motivated ship’s company and, as always, I am highly proud of what my team has achieved over the last 6 months whilst remaining cheerful and utterly professional throughout.
My team and myself are now looking forward to spending Christmas at home with our loved ones.
A Petty Officer on board HMS Sutherland waves to the waiting families on the dockside as the ship comes into port [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Vicki Benwell, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
Able Rate (Communication Information Specialist) Peter Hodgkin said:
HMS Sutherland is my first ship and I joined her 3 months prior to deploying on operations. With this being my first deployment and first time away from the UK I was nervous, but excited.
There have been some tough times, but overall I have really enjoyed it, especially the team spirit of the ship and all the good work that we have achieved on operations. My most memorable moment was helping out at an orphanage in Tanzania.
Having handed over duties to sister ship HMS Northumberland at the end of November, the crew of HMS Sutherland is now looking forward to spending Christmas at home and time with families and friends before a busy 2013.