HMS Diamond downed multiple Houthi drones and missiles during the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” near Yemen, earning her a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
The Royal Navy has described its Type 45 air defense guided-missile destroyer HMS Diamond (D34) as its “jewel in the naval crown.” Earlier this month, the warship was also honored by the US Navy for her service in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian—carried out in response to the Yemeni Houthi rebels’ attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The guided-missile air defense destroyer operated with the US 5th Fleet. For her actions during the operation, the United States Navy awarded HMS Diamond a Meritorious Unit Commendation. The MUC is given to military units for outstanding performance, distinguished by valorous or meritorious achievement. It is comparable to the award of America’s Bronze Star medal to an individual.
The HMS Diamond’s Eventful Middle East Deployment
The Portsmouth-based destroyer was the first Royal Navy warship dispatched to the region to support the US-led multinational military operation. D-34 was supported by the Bahrain-based Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster (F229).
“The Portsmouth-based warship came under sustained missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea over a six-month period from December 2023 until June last year,” the Royal Navy explained—adding that in response, HMS Diamond employed her Sea Viper missile system and 30mm gun to shoot down nine drones and one ballistic missile. She was also the first Royal Navy warship to intercept a ballistic missile since the 1991 Gulf War.
“In the most dramatic action on January 9 2024, Diamond downed seven drones aimed at merchant shipping—the highest number of aerial threats neutralised by a Royal Navy warship in modern times in one day,” the Royal Navy added.
D34 further conducted a dozen “opposed transits,” escorting seven high-value merchant ships through the waters of the Red Sea. She also took part in narcotics interdiction operations, seizing and destroying at least 2.4 tonnes of illegal drugs.
Commander Peter Evans, the commanding officer of D34 during the deployment to the Red Sea, was invited to Washington, DC, where he formally received the commendation in person and on behalf of the more than 200 men and women who served on the warship. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan presented Evans with the award and acknowledged the role that HMS Diamond played in Operation Prosperity Guardian.
“By their truly distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and unfailing devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of HMS Diamond reflected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,” said Phelan.
In the Royal Navy, Diamonds Are Forever
According to the UK’s senior service, at least 14 warships have been named HMS Diamond, with the earliest being a 40-gun frigate commissioned in 1652, eventually earning several battle honors before being lost in 1693, when the French captured her during the Nine Years’ War from 1688 to 1697.
The D-class destroyer H22 saw service during World War II until she was sunk while evacuating Allied troops from Greece in April 1941.
The current Type 45, also known as the D or Daring-class, was launched in November 2007 and was previously deployed to the Middle East. HMS Diamond (D34) returned to Portsmouth in July 2024 and is now undergoing a major refit.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
