HMS Duncan Returns to Portsmouth for Christmas After Six-Month Deployment

The crew of the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan has rejoined their families and friends for Christmas following the vessel’s return to Portsmouth harbour. The ship completed a six-month multinational mission in the Red Sea, where it took over from HMS Diamond. During its deployment, the destroyer was at sea for 125 days, contributing to air defence operations alongside allied forces from Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Cyprus, and the United States. Despite inclement weather conditions, family members and loved ones gathered to greet the returning crew, with some displaying flags or welcome signs. According to the Royal Navy, approximately 1,000 individuals were present to welcome the 200 sailors who stood on the ship’s deck as it navigated into the harbour. Cdr Dan Lee, the commanding officer of HMS Duncan, stated: “For us, it’s a bit of time off, a bit of time back home with families – back in the new year, in order to start all over again basically.” Andrew Lynch, a member of the destroyer’s logistics team, commented: “When I hold my loved ones again, I’ll do it with a new kind of appreciation, a deeper love and a quiet resolve that no distance, no time, no separation can ever truly break.” Earlier in 2023, HMS Duncan was deployed for six months in the eastern Mediterranean, where it spearheaded Nato’s primary security operation in that area. Consequently, the crew members have been on deployments for 12 of the past 24 months. Engineering technician Bradley Jones remarked: “Having endured another long deployment, I can say without hesitation that I have developed a deep gratitude for the friends and family I have back home.”No words can give justice to what it’s like being deployed.” HMS Duncan recently received the Destroyer Trophy during the Fleet Efficiency Awards ceremony. Cdr Lee commented: “I could not be prouder of my ship’s company and all they have achieved.”As we return home in time for Christmas, with my team selected as the best destroyer in the fleet, they should rightly be proud of everything they’ve done.” For further updates, BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.