HMS Chatham returns to Devonport after seven months
- Published
HMS Chatham has returned to Devonport naval base after seven months at sea.
The Royal Naval frigate was carrying out counter-piracy operations off the African coast.
During the seven-month deployment, the crew completed various tasks including rescuing 15 hostages from a boat which had been hijacked by pirates.
Commander Simon Huntingdon said: "It's been a busy time for us." The crew now has five weeks leave.
Successful engagement
Commander Huntingdon said: "The two highlights would be releasing a vessel which had been hi-jacked by the pirates without a shot being fired in anger.
"And the rescue of 23 mariners in a stricken merchant ship, which subsequently sank."
Once back in Plymouth the crew returned to their families.
HMS Chatham's chef successfully proposed to his girlfriend and Commander Huntingdon saw his 10-week old son for the first time.