'Proud' families give rousing welcome to HMS Duncan as powerful Royal Navy destroyer returns to Portsmouth
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The Type 45 destroyer the vital air defence component to the UK Carrier Strike Group
A powerful Royal Navy destroyer was given a rousing reception as she returned home to Portsmouth.
Waving families greeted HMS Duncan with loud cheers and huge banners as she sailed past The Round Tower in Old Portsmouth this afternoon (July 24). The Type 45 warship showcased her firepower during first phase of Operation FIrecrest. She’s part of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) headed up by HMS Prince of Wales - which sailed to the naval base earlier today.
Craig and Clair Boardman made the long journey from Manchester to welcome their son, AB Ethan Boardman, home from his first operation. Clair said it will be “absolutely amazing” to have him back after a long time away.
“It has been a long 82 days for his first deployment,” she added, “I can’t wait to see him. They say they go as a boy and come back as a man, and it’s very true. The difference even after his ten weeks at HMS Raleigh, and being away from home at such a young age, is huge. It has made him.”
Clair said the HMS Duncan families all wore bobbles on their wrists so they can spot each other. She was amazed by the military family support network. “It’s really important,” she added. “If you’re particularly missing them, it’s nice to have that support.”
Craig said his son has absolutely loved the deployment and enjoys being a Royal Navy sailor. “We got updates when he could,” he added. “He knows it’s the best thing he’s ever done. He made the decision himself. He came home and told us he was going at 16, without any conversation. We’re so proud of him.
“We were very shocked but proud he chose the career he has. I’m sure the celebrations will take us to the Ship Anson.”
Crowds of spectators lined the Hot Walls and clustered on The Round Tower to see their loved ones. One person had a megaphone and blared out words of encouragement to the personnel on board. People cheered and frantically waved as the destroyer sailed past.
Holding a bouquet of flowers, Edith Millson, of Gosport, was excited to see her boyfriend AB Dan Sudworth, 23. “I got used to him being away, but I’m so excited to see him,” she said. “The experience for them is really cool, going around the world and visiting all these different stops.
“When I first started dating him, it took a while to get used to his military career, but I’m so proud of him. His service is brilliant.”
Lia Sandell, of Fratton, stood alongside her waiting for her partner AB Alex Dyke, of Manchester. She said: “It’ll be so good to see him as we’ve been apart for a long time. It’s hard at first, and you get the moments where you really miss them. It’s nice counting down the days until they get back.
“I know he had a lot of fun with mountain hikes and other things. They’ve all really enjoyed themselves. I’m really proud of him and he’s doing great for himself. Especially over the past two years, I can definitely see how much he’s grown.”
Amanda and John Mould, of Salisbury, were waiting to see their 25-year-old son George Mould, with his girlfriend Ella Hudson beside them. John said: “We can’t wait to see him.
“The deployment is great for him and he’s doing very well. Celebrations will involve a few tins of beer I suspect. He’s off to phase two so we’ll get together and have some family time. The sailors are one big unit and show great teamwork.”
Amanda added: “I’ve missed him loads. Off the scale. Not as much as his girlfriend though. We’ll get a takeaway and I’ll give him lots of hugs. We’re very proud of him. To serve the king and country, and enjoy it as much as he does, is a massive thing. It has been very good for him.”
Ella said: “I’ve been able to keep in touch as and when. I’m just proud of him. It’s something he’s always wanted to do.”
HMS Duncan fulfils an integral role in the UKCSG. She provides vital air defence capabilities with her range of missiles and other weaponry. During the recently completed Exercise Neptune Strike, personnel used the ship’s guns to to shoot down various targets in the water.
British personnel joined forces with Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) allies to operate extensively in the North Atlantic and High North - conducting drills in Iceland, Norway, and elsewhere.
The task group recently completed surface and subsurface drills with a French destroyer and HMS Somerset. A total of 19 countries have worked together throughout the operation so far.
Kevin and Lesley Kelly, of Tamworth, were excited for their son, 22-year-old Weapons Engineer Rian Kelly, to return home. Kevin said: “It’ll be fantastic to see him. He’s already earmarked us into the pub ten minutes away from where we live. They’re brilliant with the armed forces. Can’t wait to get home and catch up. The social life is brilliant and all the sailors come together.
Kelly added: “He absolutely loves travelling and it drew him to the navy. There aren't words to explain how proud we are of him. He’s matured tenfold.”
Both HMS Duncan and HMS Prince of Wales will go through light periods of maintenance before returning to sea for phase two of Operation Firecrest. The personnel will be given a well-earned rest following an intense period of operations with Nato allies.