Hundreds of Royal Navy families reunited for Christmas

Hundreds of Royal Navy families have been reunited after a four-month deployment off the East coast of the US. Credit: ITV West Country

Hundreds of Royal Navy families have had an emotional reunion as HMS Monmouth returned to its base in Plymouth.

The Type 23 Frigate, designed for anti-submarine warfare, has spent the last four months on deployment off the East Coast of the US.

She has been working alongside the US Navy and overseeing the testing of the new F35 fighter jets on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Crew members sailed more than 20,000 miles and narrowly avoided two hurricanes on their deployment. Credit: ITV West Country

Crew members have sailed more than 20,000 miles since their departure in August. They also celebrated the Ship's 25th birthday and narrowly avoided two hurricanes.

They were over-joyed to be reunited with their families for the festive season.

HMS Monmouth's Commanding Officer, Commander Will King Royal Navy, said:

HMS Monmouth worked alongside the US Navy and the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Credit: ITV West Country

HMS Monmouth also visited Charleston, South Carolina and performed a service of Remembrance to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1.