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A Royal Navy crew have returned home after six months defending the Red Sea from Houthi rebels and their missiles.
HMS Diamond docked at Portsmouth on Saturday after helping to protect shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and shooting down the most enemy missiles in one day on record.
During their brave tour the warship shot down nine drones and a Houthi missile and the crew made sure to keep count on the side of the destroyer.
The crew sailed nearly 44,000 miles and spent 151 days at sea, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Their worried families were waiting as the sailors stepped foot on dry land and were greeted by by hugs and kisses from those glad to see them safely home.
The crew from HMS Diamond waving at their waiting families before disembarking after a long six months at sea defending the Gulf of Aden from Houthi rebels
The crew gathered on HMS Diamond as it docked at Portsmouth on Saturday after shooting down nine drones and a Houthi missile
The count on the side of the ship which charts the crew’s ‘kill list’
A sailor kissing his partner and holding his little boy after docking at Portsmouth
HMS Diamond operated in the region in December and January – when it came under fire from Iran-backed Houthi forces on three separate occasions – before returning again in March, taking over protection duties from frigate HMS Richmond.
On January 9, it used its Sea Viper missiles to shoot down seven drones aimed at merchant vessels by the Houthis which, according to the MoD, is the most aerial threats neutralised by a Royal Navy warship in modern times in one day.
Recalling that night, Lieutenant Freddy Hamblin, Diamond’s Officer of the Watch 4, said: ‘As they closed on us the apprehension and excitement built and it was great to see the crew’s training kicking in.
‘When US Navy units began engaging the sky lit up with orange sparks like fireworks. When you engage with Sea Viper, the whole bridge shakes and there’s a bright flash and a loud whoosh, followed by silence and darkness.’
In April, HMS Diamond shot down a missile launched by the Houthi group targeting a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
The MoD described the successful takedown as a ‘landmark moment’, adding ‘never has a British ship, aircraft or otherwise engaged a target travelling so fast’.
The ship proudly showed off iots ‘kill list’ as it came into Porsmouth.
The Type 45 destroyer had nine drone silhouettes as kill counts of what appear to be seven Samad-type kamikaze drones, one Mersad and one Shahed (Wa-aed).
There was also a marking of what could be a larger twin-tail boom reconnaissance drone, some of which U.S. Central Command has indicated are operated in the region by Iran directly.
Royal Navy warship destroying a jet drone during test of naval and missile defences
Military kamikaze drone flying over forest in the clouds
HMS Diamond, seen from the ships operations room, before firing her Sea Viper missiles at an incoming Houthi drone last month
The Yemen-based Houthi group has targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming its actions are in response to Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza – an assertion dismissed by the UK and allies.
Members of the crew on board the HMS Diamond told of their pride in the work they did in the Middle East deployment and of their excitement to return home to loved ones.
Nas Naseem, Able Rating (Above Water Tactical), said: ‘We made history working with coalition nations and Diamond’s presence has definitely saved lives.
‘It feels good to be returning home – I never thought I would say this but I’m excited to experience what I hope is a cold and rainy summer. What I’m looking forward to most is spending time with the family and watching the Euros.’
Leading Writer Ben Maple said: ‘To know we saved lives will stay with me forever.
‘After only seeing my loving wife and three children for four weeks since September 2023, I am looking forward to seeing my children smile and to see how much they have grown.
‘As for my wife, Emma who has been mum and dad for months, I’m looking forward to just being around her, and we are overdue a date night.’
In total, the destroyer has been deployed for 10 months and has been involved in other activities across that time, including seizing 2.4 tonnes of drugs in the Indian Ocean.
Families watch on on the Portsmouth beach as HMS Diamond returned for the first time since November last year
A sialor kissing his partner after landing back on UK soil following a terrifying and taxing six-month tour in the Red Sea
Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Evans, said: ‘The sailors onboard HMS Diamond have been fantastic – through the 10 months we’ve been away, they have demonstrated courage, professionalism and the very best of teamwork.
‘Whether it be operating as part of the Carrier Strike Group within the Arctic Circle, fighting in the Red Sea to protect merchant seafarers’ lives or conducting counter narcotic operations; every success that Diamond has achieved for the RN and UK Defence is due to her ship’s company.
‘We’re now really excited to be home with our friends and families, whose support has been absolutely critical to us on board.’
After the ship had docked, brave sailors greeted worried loved ones and embraced their families on shoe after a terrifying six months away at sea
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