HMS Dragon returns to Portsmouth after seven months in Middle East

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 17:14 · Archive

HMS Dragon has returned to Portsmouth after seven months protecting UK operations in the eastern Mediterranean.

HMS Dragon has returned to Portsmouth after a seven-month deployment to the eastern Mediterranean. The Type 45 destroyer left Portsmouth on 10 March to join the UK's defensive operations in the region, where it became the first and only British warship stationed at the time. The ship was equipped with Sea Viper missiles and supported by Wildcat helicopters from the 815 Naval Air Squadron, which carried Martlet missiles capable of intercepting aerial drones.

The ship's primary role was to protect RAF Akrotiri, which was struck by an Iranian-made drone in early March, causing what the Ministry of Defence described as 'minimal damage' to a hangar. Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament the drone had come from Lebanon or Iraq. HMS Dragon's commanding officer, Commander Iain Giffin, said the ship's company had 'worked tirelessly' to prepare for the mission.

Crowds gathered at Portsmouth dock on Friday as the ship returned home, with families and friends waving Union flags and holding banners to welcome the sailors back.

How it is being reported

• Excitement as HMS Dragon returns to PortsmouthHMS Dragon left Portsmouth to head to the eastern Mediterranean on March 10.BBC Hampshire · 9 Oct, 16:18
• Live: Crowds gather to welcome HMS Dragon back home to Portsmouth as Royal Navy ship ends Iran opA proud day for the Royal Navy with families set to be reunited with sailors deployed in the Middle EastThe News, Portsmouth · 9 Oct, 11:20

In this story: HMS Dragon · Portsmouth · RAF Akrotiri · John Healey · Iain Giffin · Royal Navy

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem