Plymouth warship HMS Albion on 'standby' until 2016
One of the Royal Navy's largest warships has returned to Plymouth and will be on standby until 2016, the Royal Navy has said.
HMS Albion, an 18,000-tonne amphibious assault ship, will remain on "extended readiness" until it replaces HMS Bulwark in 2016.
The Royal Navy said it was a result of the government's Strategic Defence and Security Review.
HMS Albion returned to HM Naval Base Devonport from the Baltic on Saturday.
During the past 10 months the ship has been involved in the Libyan conflict, operations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
HMS Albion's commanding officer, James Morley, said: "Everyone onboard is tremendously proud to have served in such a capable and versatile ship.
"Although it is a sad day for us to see such a modern ship placed alongside for such a long time, we all look forward to welcoming her back into the Fleet in 2016," he added.