A YOUNG navy recruit from Dorchester is back home for Christmas after enjoying some adventures on the high seas.

Multi-million-pound drugs busts and disaster relief efforts were all in a day’s work for Connor Flood, 21, as he spent six months in the North Atlantic and Caribbean on his first deployment with the Royal Navy.

The former Thomas Hardye School pupil joined HMS Argyll in January as his first ship after completing his training at HMS Raileigh, Collingwood and Yeovilton.

The ship and her 180-strong crew left Plymouth for their overseas deployment in June and Connor said they visited around 25 countries over the next six months.

During the deployment the ship was involved in four successful counter narcotics operations, recovering an estimated £77million worth of cocaine.

The vessel also gave aid to Bermuda in the wake of Hurricane Gonzalo.

Aircraft controller Connor said: “I’ve been away for six months and we have been working hard.

“Our main job has been counter narcotics, but at the same time we have been to a lot of brilliant places.

“It’s one of the perks of the job.”

Despite enjoying his maritime adventures, Connor said he was delighted to be home for Christmas and was thrilled to be welcomed home as he arrived back on British shores by his family and three best friends.

He said: “Being home is fantastic really.

“It’s the longest I’ve ever spent away from my family and friends at home and it’s been lovely seeing them all.”

Connor said he had to work hard to get through his training but it was definitely worth it and he would absolutely recommend it as a career to anyone who was prepared to put the work in.

He said: “It’s hard work but definitely worth it, especially if you get a deployment like that because of the places you visit and the people you meet.

“For job satisfaction you couldn’t get a better position in my opinion.”

Connor said he was not sure when he would next be off on his overseas travels but was determined that he would enjoy his Christmas at home with his family and friends.