Navy families reunited after seven-month deployment

Sailors have been reunited with their families following a seven-month deployment on board HMS Sutherland.

There were emotional scenes in Devonport, Plymouth, on Friday after the Type 23 frigate returned to her home port.

Commander Andrew Canale was pictured clutching a single red rose as he embraced his daughter after disembarking his ship.

HMS Sutherland homecoming
HMS Sutherland homecoming

Able Seaman Ben Northcott picked up son Harris, three, greeting him with a kiss on the lips after the long absence from his loved ones.

HMS Sutherland homecoming
HMS Sutherland homecoming

The crew set sail from Plymouth in January for a seven-month deployment on the other side of the world.

HMS Sutherland carried out exercises with the Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand navies, the US Navy's Seventh Fleet and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force.

She then operated as part of a multinational coalition in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Aden region, conducting counter-piracy and anti-trafficking activity.

The ship also provided escort duties to HMS Bangor and HMS Middleton.

A Wildcat helicopter, using its sensors, acted as her eyes and ears along the way.

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