HMS Richmond welcomed home after eight months

The Royal Navy frigate is crewed by 200 men and women

Hundreds of relatives and friends of HMS Richmond's crew welcomed them home on Sunday following an eight-month mission.

The Royal Navy said that the Plymouth-based frigate and its 200-strong ship's company, including sailors, aviators, and Royal Marine Commandos, had played an integral role in its premier deployment of 2025, Operation Highmast.

HMS Richmond visited South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and India during its mission, in addition to taking part in major exercises in the Mediterranean, and off northern Australia and Japan.

The commanding officer, Cdr Rich Kemp, said all of the men and women in his charge could reflect on the mission with "real pride".

Cdr Kemp said they showed "professionalism, resilience and teamwork" during the "demanding" deployment.

The frigate returning to its home port in Plymouth on Sunday

The Royal Navy said that, during the operation, HMS Richmond had helped to form a defensive ring around the UK's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales.

It acted as a key part of the UK Carrier Strike Group, which comprises ships, helicopters and stealth fighters.

The group was led by HMS Prince of Wales to the western Pacific Rim.

The Royal Navy said HMS Richmond was assigned to the force to provide protection against the eyes of submarines and surface vessels.

"But she also had the opportunity to strike out on her own at times, breaking away from the main task group to visit South Korea, Vietnam, Manila in the Philippines and Mumbai in India, in addition to taking part in major exercises in the Mediterranean, off northern Australia and Japan," the Royal Navy added.

Cdr Kemp said: "It has been a privilege to serve alongside our partners in the strike group, and to represent the Royal Navy on a global stage.

"For me, I've seen more of the world in the past eight months than in my previous 22 years."

Cdre Ian Feasey said families and friends could finally welcome their loved ones back

Cdre Ian Feasey, the Royal Navy's Commander of the Surface Flotilla, said the day represented "a real homecoming" after eight months away – for HMS Richmond as well as the other ships and aircraft who returned too.

He said: "It's about welcoming back their loved ones back, who have done such an amazing job on this important deployment.