HMS Dragon returns to Portsmouth after seven-month mission facing missiles and drones

Royal Navy sailors have received an emotional welcome home in Portsmouth after spending seven months protecting British interests and facing the threat of missiles and drones in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, returned to Portsmouth Naval Base on Friday (9 October), bringing an end to a 214-day deployment which saw the warship operate in some of the world's most dangerous waters.

Around 950 friends and family members gathered at the naval base and along Portsmouth's historic harbour walls to welcome the crew home.

The warship had been deployed at short notice as part of the UK's response to the conflict in the Middle East, protecting British military bases in Cyprus, safeguarding shipping and working alongside international allies.

HMS Dragon was undergoing maintenance when the order to deploy came through, with the ship going from dry dock to active deployment in just seven days.

The rapid mobilisation followed attacks on British bases in Cyprus, with the destroyer joining Royal Air Force and Army capabilities to provide protection against potential aerial threats.

The warship was subsequently deployed east of the Suez Canal, where it was tasked with potentially providing air defence support for a proposed international mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

During its deployment, HMS Dragon also passed through the Bab el Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, where commercial vessels have faced repeated missile and drone attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen since 2023.

The ship also carried out maritime security patrols in the Indian Ocean and worked alongside international partners, including a period attached to the French Carrier Strike Group led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, praised the crew for their professionalism during the demanding mission.

He said: “HMS Dragon’s seven-month deployment has shown the Royal Navy at its best.

“Deployed at short notice, her crew have protected our bases on the island of Cyprus, safeguarded shipping and worked closely with our allies across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

“They have operated in some of the world’s most dangerous waters with skill and professionalism.

“Every member of Dragon’s crew should return home proud. And to the families who supported them throughout, thank you for the sacrifices you have made.”

Commanding Officer Commander Graeme Hazelwood said the ship's company had demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the deployment.

He said: “From generating for operations at very short notice to protecting UK interests, defending our Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, and working alongside allies across the Middle East, HMS Dragon has delivered wherever she has been needed.

“The commitment, skill and determination shown by our sailors over the last 214 days has been exceptional.

“I could not be prouder of this Ship’s Company, and they should be enormously proud of their achievements as they return home to their families and friends in Portsmouth.”

Royal Navy Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse also paid tribute to the sailors and their families, highlighting the importance of having warships ready to respond to international crises.

He said: “The resilience, professionalism and fighting spirit of Dragon’s ship’s company throughout the last seven months have been outstanding.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, we need a warfighting ready Navy that can respond at pace wherever the nation requires. Dragon has shown exactly what that looks like.

“To the friends, families and loved ones who have supported the ship’s company throughout this challenging deployment, thank you – your contribution has underpinned Dragon’s success.”

The homecoming marked the end of a demanding seven months for the Portsmouth-based crew, many of whom were reunited with their loved ones following months away at sea.

Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! 

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.