A LIGHTNING deployment east of Suez has ended with HMS Campbeltown back in the bosom of Devonport for Easter.

The Type 22 frigate was dispatched for three months to support the global mission against terrorism and smuggling on the high seas.

In doing so she visited the Indian Ocean and Gulf, and made a high-profile stop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a mix of cultural, sporting and official events.

“The ship’s company should feel proud with what we have achieved – we’ve made a significant impact upon maritime security in the region,” said CO Capt Rupert Wallace.

“We have all missed our families who have given us so much support. They know that we have an important job to do.”

Campbeltown also hosted 16 cadets from BRNC Dartmouth for seven weeks of ‘Initial Sea Training’ when the rookie officers live and work alongside junior rates to give them a flavour of life in the ranks.

Beyond experiencing life below decks, the cadets paid a visit to a camel farm near Jeddah and ate lamb by the light of lanterns – rather like Lawrence of Arabia 90 years ago.

Away from the business end of the deployment, Campbeltown’s sailors devoted much of their free time to raising money for numerous good causes.

Roughly one third of her crew took part in a ‘row the Suez’ event as they rowed the equivalent length of the canal – roughly 100 miles – in aid of Cancer Research UK, who promptly pocketed £390.

The frigate visited Gibraltar on her outward and homeward-bound legs of her deployment. Most sailors took part in the legendary Rock race to the top of the imposing rock, but two decided to do it strapped together as a three-legged race. They reached the summit in under 38 minutes, raising £481 for the Willow Foundation in Hampshire which organises treats for terminally-ill young people.