Sailors aboard HMS Diamond have been reunited with their loved ones as the vessel returned to port for Christmas.
The type-45 destroyer, built at the BAE Systems Naval Ships yard at Govan, sailed into Portsmouth Naval Base after completing her maiden deployment to the Middle East.
The warship has travelled about 31,000 miles on security and counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf since leaving Portsmouth in June, having launched the nation's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
During the deployment, HMS Diamond travelled the Suez Canal before taking over from HMS Daring, then spent five months as part of the 27-nation Combined Task Force.
Commander Ian Clarke, commanding officer, said: "We have achieved a tremendous amount and I pay tribute to my fantastic ship's company."
Pictures: PA
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