Portsmouth welcomed the return of HMS Duncan and her 200 sailors after a demanding six-month deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a Royal Navy news update.
Initially tasked with replacing HMS Diamond in the Red Sea to safeguard vital trade routes under threat from Houthi rebel attacks, HMS Duncan was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Over 36,000 nautical miles were sailed, and the ship collaborated with 21 allied warships. Its flight deck handled 400 landings, including operations by US, French, and German aircraft, while the ship’s Wildcat helicopter carried out 89 sorties.
Families braved Storm Darragh to greet the returning crew at Portsmouth’s dockyard. The emotional homecoming marked the culmination of a deployment characterised by intense operations, close cooperation with international allies, and personal resilience.
Leading Hand Andrew Lynch reflected on the bonds forged during the mission, saying in a Royal Navy news update, “The friends I’ve made on this deployment, the lessons I’ve learned… these will be a part of who I am, who I’ve become.”
HMS Duncan provided critical air defence, serving as the main escort for the USS Wasp task group and ensuring regional stability.
Commanding Officer Commander Dan Lee commended his crew’s efforts, stating, “Despite a significantly compressed regeneration period following last year’s deployment, they stepped up at every opportunity, displaying remarkable dedication and professionalism.”
This mission marks the second consecutive year HMS Duncan has received the Destroyer Trophy at the Fleet Efficiency Awards, further cementing her reputation as one of the Royal Navy’s premier assets.
With the ship’s company spending 125 days at sea, they consumed over 31,000 eggs and 3,000 kilograms of chicken—a testament to the endurance required for such operations.
195 Days away from home… BZ to the crew of HMS Duncan.. time for some R&R and a refit for Duncan
Agree. Good job.
I note this must be an old picture as she has SSM that look like Harpoons… any idea when she will get NSM.
Yes they are Harpoons – she was rare in that she carried them regularly.As for NSM it’s anyones guess – the schedule is all over the place to be honest,it will depend on if she undergoes a routine Maintenance period ( likely ) or goes the whole Hogg and has the PIP-keep and CAAM work done.