<p>Sailors line the deck of Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland as the ship returns to Plymouth following a long deployment.
</p><p>After nearly 6 months away protecting the UK's antional interests in the Middle East and Indian Ocean the ‘Fighting Clan’ returned to her base port of Devonport, Plymouth on 15 December.  
</p><p>After leaving Plymouth on 5 July on a cold and gloomy British day, the Ship’s Company of the HMS Sutherland has been busy conducting anti-piracy and terrorism patrols as part of the Combined Maritime Forces ensuring the sea lanes and waters East of Suez and off the Horn of Africa are safe for seafarers to conduct their daily business. 
</p><p>During the ‘Fighting Clan’s’ time on patrol within the region the ship has conducted boarding operations on suspect vessels and also reassurance visits to build relationships with mariners and obtain information on pattern of life in the area.  In addition the ship also participated in numerous exercises with coalition and allied forces in the region to strengthen ties and improve interoperability.
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<hr><p>Photographer: LA(Phot) Vicki Benwell
Image 45154734.jpg from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.defenceimages.mod.uk">www.defenceimages.mod.uk</a>
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<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/defenceimages/8346429444/">HMS Sutherland Returning from Deployment</a>