Royal Navy warship HMS Iron Duke was in Bridgetown, Barbados on her return from a six-month deployment in the South Atlantic.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander Tom Tredray said: “The visit to Bridgetown has been eagerly awaited by the Ship’s Company. It offers a great opportunity for the crew to relax and enjoy a short rest from her operational duties before completing the final leg of our return journey back to the UK. I know that the football and rugby teams are also keen to take to the pitch for the last time on this deployment.”

HMS Iron Duke deployed from her home port of Portsmouth in June with a brand new radar – known as RT997 – as well as an updated missile system and IT system.

She also has a Lynx Mark 8 helicopter embarked – a highly versatile aircraft that can support the ship in a number of different roles, from casualty evacuations to spotting pirates and illegal fishing.