More than 600 cheering families and friends welcomed the crew of HMS Portland when the ship returned to her home base of HM Naval Base Devonport today.

A Royal Marine band entertained the crowds as they lined the jetty waving colourful banners with their loved one's names on as the ship drew alongside with the crew standing smartly to attention on the decks.

On the way through The Sound the Type 23 frigate which had spent eight months away from home conducting maritime operations in the Middle East and Indian Ocean , fired her guns in salute to families also waiting on Devil's Point.

Jackie Haygarth, of Shepton Mallett, stepped off her ship onto the jetty to be met by her sister Teraza Connack and her sister's children Mollie 3 years, and Riley, five years. Jackie said: "It's fantastic to be back. I missed my family a lot. I will be spending a lot of my time with them now, especially with Mollie and Riley as they have grown a lot since I left home.. It's been very hard work being away, but good experience and we did some really good work making the seas a safer."

Kelly Haughton greeted her partner Able Seaman (Warfare) Chris Crook cuddling their three-month-old daughter Phebe. Kelly, of Tiverton, said: "We were lucky because Chris was allowed home at the end of March for Phebe's birth, so even though eh was away with the ship and went back, he has seen her crucial first few months."

Alan Rowe, Leading Seaman (radar operator) of Eggbuckland, Plymouth , was met by his wife Erika and their son Jayden, aged 2 years, and their new daughter Madison aged six weeks. Alan said: "It was a long hot deployment, but we had an eventful eight months deployed with several pirates and drug smugglers hunted down and dealt with. It was a major achievement and what we set out to do. I have missed the children a lot, especially Madison who has changed so much in her short life."

Erika said: "It's great to have Alan back again. It seems a very long eight months.

Madison , being so young, has certainly been very clingy to me and hopefully that will lessen now her dad is back and he can catch up. Jayden has been asking where his dad is as well."

Leading Logistician Andy Chamberlain, of Plympton, Plymouth , was met by his sons new baby Keiran aged 12 months and Ryan, 14, and wife Sarah. Andy served the wardroom's ship's officers. He said: "It was a very tiring deployment and seemed so long. But we achieved a lot and it was very worthwhile. It 's getting harder to be away now with a young son again. We'll go walking in the park together and I will play computer games with Ryan."

Sarah said: "I'm so glad Andy's back, especially with a baby and a teenage boy to look after."

Petty Officer Rob Fobbester, of Plymstock, Plymouth , is a steward on board HMS Portland. He was hugged by his delighted children Robert, 3 years, and Beth, five years and his wife Deb. Rob said: "As a ship's steward I had a very busy deployment with the ship making many diplomatic visits with numerous VIPs on board to host and entertain. I very glad to be back and see my family. We don't need to go away after my long trip! I just want to stay at home and relax and have quality time with my family. We will be dog walking, playing in the garden and dog walking for a start."

Since HMS Portland deployed in November 2008, the ship's company have participated in over 30 successful boardings and intercepts as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Task Force 151 and 150 in the Northern Arabian Sea , Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

The ship also visited Gibraltar , Crete , Oman , the United Arab Emirates , Pakistan , India , Jordan and Malta whilst on deployment and operated with a large number of

Navies from all around the globe. In doing so, HMS Portland travelled a total of 49,500 nautical miles, the equivalent of twice around the world at the equator.

Commander Tim Henry, the captain of HMS Portland, was met by his wife Victoria and his new daughter Izzy (Isabelle) who was born last New Year's Eve. He said: "I am delighted to be back and see how Izzy has changed. I was lucky enough to be briefly see her when she and her mum flew out to Muscat which was wonderful."

The ship spent over three quarters of her time away from home at sea on patrol, including Christmas and Easter days. The ship's company were regularly operating in outside air temperatures approaching 40C; in the machinery spaces these temperatures reached 55C. These blistering temperatures can make weapons and hand rails too hot to hold.

It is estimated that the ship oversaw the destruction of nearly 50 tonnes of drugs and intercepted or disrupted numerous piracy attacks on merchant shipping. The ship was also responsible for the removal and disposal of a significant quantity of arms and ammunition, including Rocket Propelled Grenades and machine guns, from pirates or suspected pirates.

The ship's aircraft has flown over 170 sorties totalling over 300 hours (the equivalent in flying hours of 25 return flights to New York ) and made more than 400 landings on Portland 's flight deck. These missions have included everything from collecting stores, mail and personnel, to maritime security patrols.

Commander Henry said: "Every member of my ship's company has worked extremely hard, often under the most taxing conditions, throughout this hugely successful deployment. Without their dedication and commitment we would not have been able to achieve the successes that we have; from the cutting edge of counter-piracy operations and maritime security, to flying the flag for the UK and Royal Navy, HMS Portland has been at the forefront of maritime operations in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. All of this, of course, would not have been possible without the continued support and encouragement of our families and friends at home."

The crew also managed to raise money for charity whilst away with over £5000 being raised through events such as their own version of 'The Race for Life' which was completed at sea by all female members of the crew. Also Leading Seaman 'Skid' Rowe's completed a marathon 26.2 miles on a rowing machine, in tropical temperatures, again to raise money for cancer charities.

The crew will now enjoy six weeks' leave.

Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets of Plymouth to see Royal Marines marching through the city centre (st July) to thank the community for supporting them during their service in Afghanistan.

Cheering crowds of families, friends and others packed up to six deep on Royal Parade gave the marines a warm and heartfelt welcome as they were led proudly down the main street by a rousing Royal Marine Band.

About 250 Royal Marines comprising the UK Landing Force Command Support Group and the Headquarters Command Staff of 3 Commando Brigade, based at Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth, took part following their service in operations in Afghanistan.

Deputy Commanding officer of 3Commando Brigade, Colonel Martin Smith took the march-past salute with the Lord Mayor of Plymouth. Colonel Smith said: "This is a special day for us because it gave us the chance to say thankyou to the people of Plymouth for their support before, during and after our time in Afghanistan .

"The music by the Royal Marines Band stirs the spirit. It certainly made us feel extra proud and made the lads march a little faster and more upright. I was extremely proud of the lads.

"It is always important for morale that we feel we have the support of families and the public of Plymouth especially as we are a Plymouth unit, when on operations and particularly during Afghanistan ."

He also reflected on the affect of losing members of the unit, adding: "We must not forget our fallen comrades at this poignant time. It has to be said we never get used to losing our own. It is a life-changing experience for us as comrades, but of course especially for the families and friends who are bereaved."

The units were comprise HQ staff - commanders who directed operations and the Landing Support Group - advance force communication specialists.

The Commanding Officer of the Landing Force Command Support Group Lieutenant Commander Andrew McInerney said: "Our job in Afghanistan was reconnaissance and intelligence processing and we enabled signalling. It was at very high and intense tempo because of the rapid counter-insurgency and working with so many different agencies and against a determined and resourceful enemy.

Corporal Simon Gibbons said: "It is good to see the people of Plymouth and for them to see us marching in uniform and to let them know we appreciated their support. It means a lot to have the people of Plymouth and wider behind us when we are in theatre. Materially we got letters and well-thought welfare parcels from families and kind members of the public. These are of great comfort, especially when we are in ever-present danger - even in the bases we were targets for rocket-propelled grenades."

After spending 8 months away from home conducting maritime operations in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, Plymouth based warship HMS Portland and her crew returns to Devonport on Friday 3rd July.

Since HMS Portland deployed in November 2008, the Ship's Company have participated in over 30 successful anti-piracy and counter-narcotics boardings and intercepts as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Task Force 151 and 150 in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

The ship also visited Gibraltar, Crete, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, India, Jordan and Malta whilst on deployment and operated with a large number of Navies from all around the globe. In doing so, HMS Portland travelled a total of 49,500 nautical miles, the equivalent of twice around the world at the equator.

The ship spent over three quarters of her time away from home at sea on patrol, including Christmas and Easter days. The ship's company were regularly operating in outside air temperatures approaching 40C; in the machinery spaces these temperatures reached 55C. These blistering temperatures can make weapons and hand rails too hot to hold.

It is estimated that the ship oversaw the destruction of nearly 50 tonnes of drugs and intercepted or disrupted numerous piracy attacks on merchant shipping. The ship was also responsible for the removal and disposal of a significant quantity of arms and ammunition, including Rocket Propelled Grenades and machine guns, from pirates or suspected pirates.

The ship's aircraft has flown over 170 sorties totalling over 300 hours (the equivalent in flying hours of 25 return flights to New York ) and made more than 400 landings on Portland 's flight deck. These missions have included everything from collecting stores, mail and personnel, to maritime security patrols.

Commander Tim Henry, the Commanding Officer, said: "Every member of my ship's company has worked extremely hard, often under the most taxing conditions, throughout this hugely successful deployment. Without their dedication and commitment we would not have been able to achieve the successes that we have; from the cutting edge of counter-piracy operations and maritime security, to flying the flag for the UK and Royal Navy, HMS Portland has been at the forefront of maritime operations in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. All of this, of course, would not have been possible without the continued support and encouragement of our families and friends at home."

The crew also managed to raise money for charity whilst away with over £5000 being raised through events such as their own version of 'The Race for Life' which was completed at sea by all female members of the crew. Also Leading Seaman 'Skid' Rowe's completed a marathon 26.2 miles on a rowing machine, in tropical temperatures, again to raise money for cancer charities.

Over 500 family and friends, along with a Royal Marine band, are due to celebrate the Ship's return to Devonport. For many, belated Christmas and Easter celebrations are planned with the entire crew looking forward to a break before returning to sea in the autumn. Some lucky family members have also taken the opportunity to sail back with the ship from Gibraltar and will experience at first hand life at sea with the Royal Navy, as well as having a ship-side view of the ship's homecoming.

The ship's Weapon Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mark Hocking from Ivybridge, said: "Spending 8 months away from your families and loved ones is extremely difficult, particularly over Christmas, but we are all ecstatic to be coming home again safely following a particularly successful deployment and look forward to spending some hard earned and well deserved leave with our families."

Families and friends gave an emotional welcome to the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Talent when she returned to her home port of Devonport, Plymouth last night (Wednesday 24th June) after nearly six months on deployment.

The submariners were met on the jetty by their loved ones who were overjoyed to see them back after an intensive but rewarding deployment which included the major international naval exercise Taurus and working with the US Navy, other Royal Navy ships and NATO partners.

HMS Talent's Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Asquith, of Liskeard, was met by his wife Jane and their children George, 9, Alice, 6 and Grace, 4. He said: "It's great to see so many families here tonight. My team has worked very hard and delivered a very strong operational product. They thoroughly deserve this time off."

He said the submarine extensively exercised anti-submarine warfare and missile capability. They helped demonstrate the Royal Navy's ability to be at high-readiness state. The submarine worked in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea . The importance of exercising with NATO and other navies was to hone their ability to go to war together fast if it were ever necessary, he added.

The Trafalgar Class submarines based in the West Country, HMS Talent sailed from Plymouth in January. After a brief spell exercising off Scotland the boat deployed and exercised in both the Mediterranean and the Middle East in support of the Taurus 09 Task Group. Made up from 12 ships and a Royal Marine detachment the Task Group was the largest that the Royal Navy has assembled in more than a decade.

Last night on a warm sunny evening Artificer Mark Gordon, from Ivybridge, was met by his wife, Faith, and their two children - Abigail aged seven and Erin aged four - and his parents from Birmingham Lin and former submariner, John.

Faith said: "It's great to have him back again. The children will now be looking forward to having bike rides with their dad. He had contact with us when he was away and said although the work was intense, it was rewarding and they had some good shore visits"

Mark's mother, Lin, said: "It is getting harder for Mark to be away now he has two young children. This is the first time Erin has known him being away." But added: "Mark is very proud to be in the Royal Navy because his dad was also in the submarine service. It is in his blood."

Petty Officer John Spreadbridge, of Ivybridge, near Plymouth , was greeted by his happy family, wife Marian and children Emma, 5, Amy 10, and David 7. Amy said she was looking forward to going swimming with her dad now and David was keen to play computer games with him.

John said: "It's very good to be back with my family. I was only away for some of the deployment, but it was a job well done and we had a god time going ashore near Dubai ."

Submarine reactor panel operator Jeremy Sims lost no time in catching up with his baby son Joshua, nine months, sweeping him from the arms of his wife Nicola who came from Gosport, near Portsmouth to meet him. Jeremy said: "We had a good tour and it was great to work with other navies. But I really missed Joshua - he was only a few months old. I've missed most of his short life so far."

Nicola said: "I've missed John, especially now I have a new baby. John's missed his teething, which is a major step for a baby. Hopefully he will be able to catch up a little now."

The deployment saw Talent involved in a series of international exercises that took place off the coasts of a number of countries including Cyprus , Italy and Turkey as well as in the Indian Ocean . During this period Talent conducted a wide range of tasks including the provision of a target for anti-submarine warfare training, beach reconnaissance in support of an amphibious landing exercise and intelligence collections from both sea and land based assets. Additionally, Talent hosted a number of personnel from the Taurus 09 Task Group, the Turkish Navy and the US Navy. Throughout the 2 ½ months she spent East of the Suez Canal she was also at continuous high readiness to support Operations in the Middle East.

It was not all hard work though. The Ship's Company managed to get ashore in foreign ports that included Soudha Bay in Crete , Aksaz in Turkey and Fujiarah in the UAE. These brief port visits gave an opportunity to relax away from the rigors of life at sea and to partake in other activities. During the visit to Fujairah, 30 members of the ships company abseiled down ravines, drove 4x4s up canyons and through deserts and were bewitched by the beauty of the Belly dancers at an overnight desert caravan camp.

The sailors also found time to raise money for charity. During a 'horse racing afternoon' over £600 was raised and a 'thousand numbers draw' raised over £350 for Hope House (which caters for terminally ill children), in her affiliated town of Shrewsbury . It is in the name of this charity that a team of over 20 crew members and supporters will travel to the affiliated town on their first weekend at home in the UK. This is to participate in the Annual Dragon Boat Race which raises monies for the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury .

HMS Talent will return to her home port of Devonport, Plymouth on Wednesday 24th June after nearly 6 months.

One of seven Trafalgar Class submarines based in the West Country, HMS Talent sailed from Plymouth in January. After a brief spell exercising off the snowy coast of Scotland, the boat deployed and exercised in both the Mediterranean and the Middle East in support of the Taurus 09 Task Group. Made up from 12 ships and a Royal Marine detachment the Task Group was the largest that the Royal Navy has assembled in more than a decade.

When she deployed, it was a wild and wintry scene that was left behind. The following months saw many extremes of geography, culture and temperature. From the snow capped mountains of Scotland, to the scorching deserts of the UAE via the cold Northern Atlantic, through warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

The deployment saw Talent involved in a series of international exercises that took place off the coasts of a number of countries including Cyprus , Italy and Turkey as well as in the Indian Ocean . During this period Talent conducted a wide range of tasks including the provision of a target for anti-submarine warfare training, beach reconnaissance in support of an amphibious landing exercise and intelligence collections from both sea and land based assets. Additionally, Talent hosted a number of personnel from the Taurus 09 Task Group, the Turkish Navy and the US Navy. Throughout the 2 ½ months she spent East of the Suez Canal she was also at continuous high readiness to support Operations in the Middle East.

The Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Asquith, said: "It is good to be back amongst family and friends after such a busy and varied deployment. At a time when the Royal Navy is busier than ever, it is great to have been able to play our part and my team should be very proud of what they have achieved."

It was not all hard work though. The Ship's Company managed to get ashore in foreign ports that included Soudha Bay in Crete, Aksaz in Turkey and Fujiarah in the UAE. These brief port visits gave an opportunity to relax away from the rigors of life at sea and to partake in other activities. During the visit to Fujairah, 30 members of the ships company abseiled down ravines, drove 4x4s up canyons and through deserts and were bewitched by the beauty of the Belly dancers at an overnight desert caravan camp.

The sailors also found time to raise money for charity. During a 'horse racing afternoon' over £600 was raised and a 'thousand numbers draw' raised over £350 for Hope House (which caters for terminally ill children), in her affiliated town of Shrewsbury . It is in the name of this charity that a team of over 20 crew members and supporters will travel to the affiliated town on their first weekend at home in the UK. This is to participate in the Annual Dragon Boat Race which raises monies for the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury.

HMS Talent is a Trafalgar Class Submarine, the penultimate of her class of seven and is commanded by Commander Simon Asquith Royal Navy.

Built in Barrow-in-Furness , she was launched by HRH Princess Anne in 1988.

Commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1990.

Displacement dived 5291.3 tonnes, surfaced 4815.8 tonnes.

Length 85.4m, Beam 9.8m, Draught 9.5m.

Complement 130 (18 Officers).

Completed a significant refit in 2006 which included a major capability upgrade.

Fitted with the Royal Navy's most advanced Sonar Suite, 2076.

Armament includes:

Spearfish wire guided torpedo - long range anti-ship and anti submarine.

Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) - used for precision attacks against land targets.

One of the Royal Navy's largest ships, amphibious assault ship HMS Albion, has left Devonport Royal Dockyard for sea trials following a successful MOD refit worth £26 million.

Work has included installation of over twelve miles of power and data cables, a mile of welding, and application of over 25,000 litres of paint within this significant project and has involved a total of 450,000 man hours over the nine month docking period.

The project relied upon the partnering arrangement between Albion ship's company, Babcock Marine and the Ministry of Defence and has demonstrated the benefits of collaborative working that has delivered HMS Albion for sea trials with improved capability, vessel availability, sustainability and resilience within the time scheduled.

Upgrades of the main propulsion system have been completed including propellers, shafts and rudders while inside the ship significant enhancements have been made to accommodation for the sailors and marines.

Lieutenant Shane Doran the SFM Project Contract Manager, said: "All personnel who have been involved with HMS Albion can be proud of their collective achievement. Bringing the plethora of technical challenges together and sail on time after 36 weeks in upkeep is a credit to the whole team. HMS Albion sails for sea trials much improved and we all look forward to her returning to the Fleet in the near future."

HMS Albion's Commanding Officer, Captain John Kingwell said: "I am absolutely delighted with the state of the ship and must commend the true spirit of partnering between Babcock Marine, Albion ship's company and the Ministry of Defence that has made this possible. I am looking forward to taking the ship to sea for a period of trials and us all working together to achieve the next major milestone - Fleet Date Inspection in late July, which will mark the return of HMS Albion to the operational fleet".

HMS Albion was commissioned in 2001 and launched by her sponsor, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The 22000 Ton, 176 Metre ship's main role is to act as a Command Platform for an embarked Battle Staff. The ship's vast vehicle deck enables her to carry a mix of military vehicles and her Landing Craft and smaller boats help to project a force of marines ashore.

Looking further ahead, HMS Albion will complete a package of trials followed by operational training in the autumn before taking over the role of Amphibious Flagship in 2010.

The cream of Royal Naval photographers in the South West have excelled in the national awards for Service cameraman.

The annual Peregrine Trophy competition recognises the Royal Navy's most creative and skilled cameraman and eight accolades were awarded to sailors serving in the region either on shore or on board ships.

Acclaimed photographer Petty Officer Sean Clee, of Plymouth is famous for his prize-winning action-packed images of Royal Marines on the frontline in Afghanistan, has won the Open Category and received a Highly Commended in the Royal Navy Photographer of the Year Award which he has previously won for an unprecedented two years running in 2007 and 2008. This year's Peregrine Trophy accolade, which is awarded for the best portfolio of six images produced by a photographic section was won by Leading Photographer Gaz Faulkner who works alone from his section at 42 Commando, Bickleigh, Plymouth.

Sean, who manages the photographic section at HMS Drake, HM Naval Base Devonport, said: "It is great to see how well the South West has done, especially Gaz Faulkner who was on his second tour of Afghanistan . He has worked really hard and very well and reaped the reward.

"The Peregrine Trophy competition showcases the skills and talents of Royal Navy photographers. We record events at home and worldwide on board ships, from aircraft and on land as they unfold."

Sean said he had done well in the competition despite being in a management role and less out behind a camera lens: "I am very pleased to have done as well as I have this year considering I don't get out onto the ground with a camera much any more as I am now 'driving' a desk. The highlight of my career "was working with the Royal Marines in theatre in Afghanistan and from the contacts and goodwill I generated there I took some images for this year's competition of the beach landing recce unit from 539 Assault Squadron which I was very happy with."

Sean's other images include Royal Marines racing in Zap Catamaran boats and Taunton-based 40 Commando filming for a recruitment advertisement. His Open Category winning image was a Royal Marine holding a handful of ammunition rounds.

Leading Photographer Stephen Johncock, Sean's colleague in Devonport, won the Media Operations Award (for newsworthy images) with an emotional photograph of Plymouth Marine Mark Ormrod walking on the parade ground at 40 Commando with his newly-fitted two prosthetic legs. He lost his legs and an arm to a Taliban mine in Afghanistan in 2008.

Steve, of Exmouth, near Exeter , said: "The key to the winning picture is that is shows Mark walking on parade to receive his campaign medal where he was injured. He makes the brave choice to walk in front of the massed ranks of his colleagues, despite the difficulty and pain he must be in also.

"A lesser person would have remained in the wheelchair that is available to him and visible in the image. It captures in one picture the courage and determination we all know he has already, by recovering so well from his severe injuries and remaining so upbeat. He is an inspirational person. The photo is also a tribute to Mark."

Gaz Faulkner also received a highly commended in the Media Operations award and a highly commended in the Royal Navy 'Life Without Limits' award. The Commandant General Royal Marines Portfolio prize was won by Leading Photographer Shaun Barlow, previously from HMS Drake and now serving aboard HMS Albion. Leading Photographer Bernie Hennessy, of Devonport-based helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, was highly commended in the Digital Imaging award.

The award panel comprised freelance photographer Dizzy Desilva (Ex Royal Navy Warrant Officer photographer), Betty Lynch, of Getty News Images and Kim Scott-Clark, Daily Telegraph picture editor. The awards will be presented on Monday 15 June in Portsmouth .

Devonport's field gun competition team put on an impressive display of their skills to delight a crowd of supporters in the Naval Base.

The team gave their all in a full-bloodied physical effort for the public run rehearsal prior to the tri-service Brickwoods Field Gun Competition this Saturday (June 6) at the shore base HMS Collingwood, at Gosport, Fareham, Hampshire.

Continuing Devonport's immensely proud field gun competition tradition which dates back to 1889, the public run provided the team with the opportunity for a full 'dress rehearsal' before departing for the hard-fought competition.

Flag Officer Sea Training, Rear Admiral Chris Snow, and the Naval Base Commander, Commodore Ian Jess joined naval base, dockyard staff and members of the public, including local school pupils, to cheer the team on and wish them the best of luck in the competition for the coveted trophy.

This year the Devonport crew consists of Royal Navy and Royal Marines, men and women, with a good mix of both veterans and new blood. The team are all volunteers, drawn from Devonport-based units and have been fitness training since March. Drilling in earnest with the gun began in mid-April and the culmination of all this hard training during the season is the competition itself.

Commander Steve Ward, Field Gun Officer, said: "The Field Gun crew very much appreciate the ongoing support of Naval Base personnel.  They are also grateful to their sponsors, particularly Babacock, and are very much looking forward to the competition proper against the other 22 crews from all three armed services - the Army, RAF and Royal Navy - and teams from Naples and Gibraltar"

Commodore Jess said: "I, along with Rear Admiral Chris Snow and a healthy naval base crowd, very much enjoyed the field gun public run.  I am looking forward to the 6 June competition and wish our crew all the very best of luck."

Responding positively to the considerable noise generated by 120 children invited to watch the public run from Drake, Keyham Barton, Weston Mill and Ford Primary schools , the crew conducted a slow time demonstration followed by two full-speed runs. 

Guided by the experienced hands of No one Trainer Chief Petty Officer Dave Cavill from Flag Officer Sea Training, Crew Captain Chief Petty Officer Jakie Foran from SMQ and Track Judge Warrant Officer 1 Dennis Collin from SMQ, the crew achieved both runs in 1:29; their best times yet and dipping under the psychological 1:30 barrier.

Visitors to Devonport Navy Days 2009 will have an exclusive chance to board HMS Daring the Royal Navy's newest and most advanced warship.

The general public will be given the unique opportunity to board the state-of-the-art warship destroyer when she appears as the centrepiece attraction at Navy Days, being held at HM Naval Base, Devonport, Plymouth on Saturday and Sunday 5th - 6th September.

HMS Daring is the largest and most powerful air defence destroyer ever operated by the Royal Navy and has been designed to protect UK and allied/coalition forces at sea against the full range of enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles. Capable and flexible, HMS Daring will undertake a wide range of defence tasks around the globe supporting civil authorities in the UK and abroad through maritime security operations, while being maintained at high readiness to respond with humanitarian aid or civilian evacuation operations.

Navy Days visitors will be able to take the rare opportunity to discuss with the ship's company the ship's advanced capability and what it is like to serve onboard.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Paddy McAlpine said: "We are very much looking forward to visiting Plymouth and opening our ship to visitors; we are very proud of her. We are currently conducting sea trials. When these are complete, we will be a regular sight in Plymouth Sound when we undertake Operational Sea Training next year".

HMS Daring is the seventh ship to bear the name and was built by BVT Surface Fleet on the Clyde . She was launched by HRH the Countess of Wessex on 1 Feb 2006 .

Two hundred families and friends gave a warm welcome today to submariners from HMS Torbay as she returned to the UK from helping disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Crowds cheered the Trafalgar-class submarine as she passed Devil's Point in Plymouth Sound with sailors lining the casing and then entered her base port of HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth.

The nuclear-powered submarine has been successful in helping reduce the danger of transporting cargo on the high seas. The UK is taking an active role in helping end to piracy in the Middle East and HMS Torbay has played a key role.

HMS Torbay has just completed its second deployment in quick succession to the Middle East where she has been providing major contributions to the UK 's efforts in the region. Whilst being ready to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles at a moment's notice, HMS Torbay has played a key role by providing vital surveillance for forces in the area.

Commander Chris Goodsell, the captain of HMS Torbay, was met by his wife Fiona and their daughters Katriona, 13, Eleanor, 9, and Phoebe, 6. He said: "It's fantastic to have such a welcome home. We are very proud of going away and doing our job, we had several key successes, but nothing beats the recognition of your loved ones.

"This has been a very strong show of support from our families and friends at Devonport.. The crew deserve it because they can take enormous professional satisfaction from a job well done."

Commander Goodsell led a 127-strong team of submariners on the operation and was proud of the hard work and determination of all his men: "The submarine service is unique; our time away has been tough yet rewarding. We have done our bit, provided support to the surface ships in the area and helped to prevent pirate attacks. The truly amazing thing is that the pirates didn't even know we were there."

Fiona said: "It's fantastic to have him back. This was his last trip with HMS Torbay after three years with her. Now he's off to Shrivenham.'' Katriona said: "I have missed dad a lot. It's exciting he's back."

'We come unseen' is the motto of the Submarine Service, and HMS Torbay has truly stuck to it. Unlike the submarines of the past, the crew now have access to emails and free phone calls home when the operational tempo allows. They can also get free postage on 'morale' letters sent by friends and family back in the UK .

Having completed the operation, the crew were able to take some well earned rest in the United Arab Emirates and Crete . From Crete they travelled back to Devonport and are now in a short maintenance period.

Keeping the crew sustained during a long operation is always challenging. Since being away the crew have eaten 12780 sausages, 24,500 rashers of bacon, 1690 ice-creams and had 13 curry nights. Despite this, everyone is still excited about returning home and is ready to see all the families on the jetty. Their time at home will be brief as TORBAY deploys again later in the year.

Lieutenant Commander David Filtness, HMS Torbay Operations Officer, of Callington, Cornwall , was hugged by his wife Becca as he stepped onto the jetty. He said: "It's brilliant to be back home and see my family again. We had some good time ashore, the rest was hard work, but successful."

Laura Roberts, of Plymstock, Plymouth, the wife of HMS Torbay Logistics Officer, Lieutenant Mike Roberts, organised the welcome home and previous group outings for families of the crew while the submarine was deployed using a welfare fund. She met him with their son Will, (age two). She said: "It's great to have Mike back. I was due to see him in Dubai with Will, but had to cancel when he was take seriously ill. So it's been extra important for his dad to see Will.

"The social events I organised have helped bond families so we all gain from mutual support which is needed, especially when we have little contact with them being submerged. The families have said they find this mutual support comforting and valuable. We all get to know each other which would not otherwise happen. I think the men also find it reassuring to know this is provided to us back home."

Able Seaman Matthew Peterson (sonar operator) of Torpoint, Cornwall, was greeted by his in-laws from the Isle of Wight and his wife Laura and their children Ryan (aged seven months), and Ciaran (two years). Laura said: "Matthew has missed some important stages in the boy's short life as they are so young. Ciaran has started talking sentences, for instance. It's so god he's back now.''

Matthew said: "I'm please to be home. This is my 4th or 5th trip away now, but it is always special to be back. The tempo was stop and start and very hard work, but rewarding. The boys have changed a lot even since I last saw them a few months ago."

Lieutenant Steven Mcallister, 36, of Portsmouth, was given a warm welcome by his wife Lyndsey and their children Lauren (aged two years) and Chloe (aged two years). Steven said: "It's so good to see my family on the jetty. We had an interesting and successful deployment. But will be great to be back in a comfy bed at home."

Lyndsey said: "This is really good for the children because they can see a submarine for the first time. They are at an age now where they miss daddy a lot and ask where he is. This is the first time I have seen them come home in the UK, but have been to Bermuda and Lisbon in the past. This is his second time away in Torbay.