BLACK DUKE returns after sailing round the world visiting 19 countries
HMS MONMOUTH arrives back at Devonport today..

(As reported by the Royal Navy, 30th November)

The Devonport-based Type 23 frigate, HMS Monmouth returns home today, Monday 3rd December 2007, after a deployment that has seen her circumnavigate the globe. During this time the ‘Black Duke’ as she is affectionately called, has visited the Andaman Islands, Aden, Hawaii, Manila, Qingdao, Pyongtaek, Surabaya, Sydney and Wellington during the nine-month Volans 07 global deployment.

At sea, the Black Duke has been heavily involved in maritime security and exercises with foreign warships as well as training and maintenance. Whilst alongside in foreign ports the focus of the ship has been to foster good relationships. Having left Plymouth on a cold February morning, the early stages of the deployment saw participation in operations in the Mediterranean, surveying merchant vessels, local fisherman and any unusual shipping to prevent the illegal use of the high seas with boarding teams inspecting any suspicious contacts. A warship at sea has to be ready for all eventualities and this proved to be the case when a distress call was received from the merchant vessel Afrodite whose cargo had shifted in heavy seas and was rapidly taking on water. The Monmouth’s helicopter ‘Black Bird’ was quick to respond and the crew were winched to safety.

The deployment continued with visits to India, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, which provided opportunities for the ship to exercise with foreign navies and to support UK industry ashore, providing the platform for British companies to exhibit their technology. Conferences in Indonesia and the Philippines were hosted to demonstrate the UK’s approach to maritime security including live boarding demonstrations. Other highlights included being the first major British or American warship to visit Aden since the attack on the USS Cole and flying the Flag of the First Sea Lord and Commander in Chief Fleet.

Following a busy two months in Australia and New Zealand, Monmouth visited Okinawa, China and South Korea, including exercises with the US Seventh Fleet, Chinese North Seas Fleet and Korean Second Fleet. The final visit to the Far East saw the ship participate in a high profile international exercise in Tokyo Bay in front of the world’s media.

In all, Monmouth has sailed over 40,000 miles, visiting 28 ports in 19 countries. For many, this was a deployment of a lifetime but more importantly it has proved the global reach of the Royal Navy supporting the United Kingdom’s continuing commitment to global security and stability.

Having achieved so much in 2007, all onboard the ‘Black Duke’ are looking forward to a well earned period of leave before the ship returns to sea in early 2008.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Peacock said: “I would like to personally take this opportunity to thank all of our family, friends and affiliates who have sustained us throughout our long time away. Their good humour and countless messages of support have helped ensure that, although on the far side of the world, we have always felt near home.”

Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde, Monmouth is the sixth of the Type 23 Duke class frigates. She was launched by Lady Eaton in 1991 and commissioned two years later.