12 superb pictures of the wonderful homecoming for HMS Duncan as loved ones gather to greet Royal Navy sailors

Excited families beaming with pride welcomed home a Royal Navy destroyer after completing the first phase of a Nato deployment.

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.

NOW READ: Families speak of pride as HMS Duncan returns home

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. 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.

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.

Here are a selection of pictures from HMS Duncan’s homecoming. The majority of images are available to purchase should you wish to do so on our Photosales section, or you can call 0330 403 0033 or email [email protected].