The Royal Navy survey ship HMS Roebuck is due to return to its home port of Plymouth later, marking the end of a 12-month deployment.
The ship has been leading a Nato response force on counter-mine measures around the UK and the Mediterranean.
The 60-strong crew are expected to line the deck dressed in full ceremonial uniform as the vessel sails into Devonport through Plymouth Sound.
A Navy spokesman said it had been a long deployment for a ship of its size.
"The high tempo of operations that are involved in being the flagship for a Nato response force group have meant a persistently high level of commitment and hard work from the ship's crew and a lot of understanding and patience from their families," he said.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~13~RS~)