HMS St Albans received a warm welcome by cheering crowds following a nine-month deployment.

Hundreds of friends and families lined the Naval Base in Portsmouth as the Type 23 frigate returned from the Gulf.

Garry Lakin, 61, from London Colney, was at the harbour as the ship pulled in. “I stumbled upon it by accident, it was just such a surprise! There was a huge crowd, everyone was cheering and waving banners and flags. It was absolutely fantastic.”

The 220 crew members worked in the Middle East and conducted operations to counter drugs and weapon smuggling.

St Albans’ Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Hutchings, said: “I am immensely proud of my ship’s company and our achievements.

“Together we have been tested on operations and proved ourselves repeatedly in a demanding area of our works where Britain’s reputation is strong.”

Just days into her deployment, ‘The Saint’ seized 320kg of cannabis with an estimated value of £1 million, which was destined for European markets.

In the Gulf, the British crew worked alongside the carrier FS Charles de Gaulle after the terrorist attacks in Paris and later they were joined by USS Harry S Truman.

Royal Marine Commandos from 43 Commando conducted numerous investigations of suspicious vessels, working closely with the ship’s own boarding team.

They were supported by the flight team from 829 Squadron and their new Merlin Mk 2 helicopter. The helicopter has state-of-the-art sensors have given St Albans a major advantage in identifying vessels, helping disrupt the flow of illegal goods.

Commander Hutchings added: “Our families and friends have given us superb support. It’s now our chance to be re-united and show our gratitude.”