Homecoming for HMS Torbay

CHEERS from a crowd  of around 200 family  members and friends  greeted the arrival of a  Devonport-based submarine after an anti-piracy deployment.

The nuclear-powered submarine HMS Torbay returned to Plymouth  following the three-month  deployment to the Gulf of  Aden.

During the deployment  the 127-man crew helped to  reduce the danger of transporting cargo on the high  seas.

The UK is taking an active  role in helping to end piracy  in the Middle East and HMS  Torbay has played a key  part.

Able Seaman Matthew Peterson (sonar operator) of  Torpoint, was greeted by his  in-laws from the Isle of  Wight and his wife Laura  and their children Ryan  aged seven months, and Ciaran, aged two.

Laura said: “It’s so good  he’s back now.’’

Lieutenant Commander  David Filtness, HMS Torbay  Operations Officer, who is  from Callington, was hugged  by his wife Becca as he  stepped onto the jetty yesterday.

He said: “It’s brilliant to be  back home and see my family again.”

Laura Roberts, from  Plymstock, the wife of HMS  Torbay Logistics Officer,  Lieutenant Mike Roberts,   organised the welcome home  and group outings for families of the crew while the  submarine was deployed.

She was there to greet him  with their son Will, aged  two, and said: “It’s great to  have Mike back.”

Commander Chris Goodsell, HMS Torbay’ Captain,  said: “We have done our bit,  provided support to the surface ships in the area and  helped to prevent pirate attacks.”