Piracy-fight frigate home By Angela KNIGHT in 'This is Hertfordshire' HMS ST ALBANS returned to Portsmouth Naval Base on Friday, May 21, after a six-month Campaign Against International Terrorism (Cait), fighting smuggling and piracy in the Gulf. The Royal Navy's newest frigate was joined by warships from the United States, France, Germany, Spain and Italy collectively known as Task Force 150 in policing the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. One of their key tasks was to check that passing ships were correctly registered and not engaged in any crimes such as smuggling people, drugs or contraband. The crew on board the type 23 frigate questioned 807 merchant vessels, 31 of which were intercepted as being suspicious, but nothing illegal was found. One of the small vessels boarded contained 34 people, including women and children.There was little sanitation. After being given some water, they were let go. Another boat contained 1,500 goats, although the herd proved to be legal cargo bound for Saudi Arabia. Commander Mark Knibbs, HMS St Albans commanding officer, said: "We acted as the command platform for Task Force 150 for two months the first time a type 23 frigate has been used in such a role. "And there is no doubt the force's presence had a tangible effect in reducing piracy and other facets of illegal maritime activity. "The men and women on board have risen to every challenge and task with professionalism and determination and I am proud of our successes and achievements." After the ship had clocked up 12,000 miles, the 200-strong crew aboard HMS St Albans enjoyed a ten-day break in the Seychelles, one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles from Africa, this archipelago of more than 100 islands was a resting point for the crew while the ship underwent rigorous maintenance and engineering checks. In all, HMS St Albans travelled 38,519 miles on patrol, before handing over duties earlier this month to HMS Cumberland. On the way home she paid a goodwill visit to the Maltese capital Valletta, which coincided with Malta's entry into the European Union. The crew enjoyed two days of celebrations, including fireworks, in the Grand Harbour.