HMS Lancaster arrived in Bahrain for the final time today – ending one of the busiest and longest careers of any major British warship.

Flying her paying-off pennant – a ribbon-like White Ensign whose length reflects her 34 years of service – as she sailed into harbour, she was greeted by a 34-gun salute and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines from HMS Collingwood in Fareham providing the appropriate musical accompaniment.
 
The 4,500-tonne warship powered down her engines after completing 4,097 days at sea and travelling 816,000 nautical miles – equivalent to 37½ times around the world or almost two return trips to the Moon. 
 
Launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the Clyde in 1990 and named after the Duke of Lancaster – a title held by the monarch – HMS Lancaster was commissioned into the Royal Navy in May 1992. 

Full story and images available via the RN Website: HMS Lancaster Bows Out After 34 Years of Distinguished Service