The UK Royal Navy’s warship HMS Monmouth has successfully completed a six-month deployment in the Middle East and has returned to its homeport in Plymouth.

During the 194-day deployment, the Type 23 frigate protected Iraqi oil platforms in the region and joined the counter-piracy task force to help maintain the safety of international transit routes and key trade links in the area.

HMS Monmouth commanding officer Commander Tony Long said that the prime role was to protect the Iraqi oil platforms, which required six-week periods on patrol with the ship on 24-hour alert.

The 133m-long Type 23 Duke Class frigate has a displacement capacity of 4,900t, accommodation for 185 and a cruising speed of 28kt.

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