Having returned from the Caribbean in December after a long 6 month deployment, HMS Richmond Ship's Company took the opportunity over the Christmas period to catch up on some long overdue leave.

On returning from leave, Richmond's programme was to almost immediately set out for a period of trials in preparation for the forthcoming refit. Quickly back into the sea going routine and having impressed in a successful set of trials, HMS Richmond headed for London to visit our affiliated town of Richmond-upon-Thames. Having been granted the Freedom of the Borough in 2002 it is the perfect opportunity to renew old friendships with the people of the Borough.

Seen here emerging from Tower Bridge early in the morning, HMS Richmond berthed alongside HMS Belfast in the Pool of London, the closest available berth to the Borough of Richmond.