NATO task group flagship HMS Campbeltown has sailed into Devonport for a mid-deployment break.

The Type 22 frigate left her home base of Devonport last October to relieve her sister ship HMS Cornwall as flagship of NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL), under the command of Commodore Richard Ibbotson.

Alongside ships of other navies, Campbeltown has been operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, monitoring shipping in the ongoing campaign against terrorism under the title Operation Active Endeavour.

The frigate has also been visiting a number of foreign ports, including Crete and Alexandria, while Christmas was spent alongside in Turkey before patrols resumed early in the New Year.

Capt Bruce Williams, Campbeltown’s Commanding Officer, said: “I’m immensely proud of the way my team has handled the long periods on patrol.

“The completion of this phase of the vitally-important task that we have been carrying out demonstrates the Royal Navy’s continuing commitment as a worldwide force for good.”

The ship sails again next month to resume her NATO duties in the Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

This second phase of the deployment will include a second, brief visit to Devonport in March with other members of the Task Group for a ceremony to transfer command of the Force to the Dutch Navy.

Operation Active Endeavour is currently being addressed by ships of the Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (SNFM), of which destroyer HMS Newcastle is a member.