"Among those returning were Leading Engineering Technician (LET) Jack Lowe, from Stoke-on-Trent, who had to postpone proposing to his girlfriend because of the warship's delayed return to the UK.
The 20-year-old got down on one knee to pop the question to Amy Clarke, also 20, from Portsmouth, who said yes with tears of joy in her eyes.
LET Lowe said: "I wanted to ask Amy before Christmas; I had planned to take her to Paris, so I was gutted when I couldn't.
"I am just happy she said yes, I was really nervous. Maybe we'll go to Paris now anyway.''
Miss Clarke said: "It's absolutely amazing, of course I said yes.
"I'm feeling all nervous.''