SERVICEMAN Joseph Mellor will spend Christmas thousands of miles from home with 259 shipmates instead of relaxing with his family in Dorking.
Able Seaman Mellor is currently serving on board HMS Edinburgh on a six-month deployment in the South Atlantic.
He said: "We usually all go to my mum's or uncle's house and there are about 15 of us altogether, which is always good fun.
"This is the first time I'll have been away at this time of the year so it will seem rather strange to not be building Lego toys or garages for my little cousins or playing puzzles and games.
"I will miss doing all of the usual Christmas-type things and having a tasty turkey dinner, but I'm sure we will make the most of it on board seeing as we are all in the same boat in not being able to see our families."
The 25-year-old attended Howard of Effingham School before joining the Royal Navy in 2010, and he now works as a "warfare specialist".
HMS Edinburgh is working to fight the drugs trade off the coast of West Africa. She is the last Type 42 destroyer currently deployed by the Royal Navy, as they make way for the Type 45.
Able Seaman Mellor said: "This is my first ship and I am really loving it on board. It's strange to think that the ship will also be the last Type 42 that I'll ever serve on but it is a real privilege to have done so."
Commander Nick Borbone, commanding officer of the vessel, said: "HMS Edinburgh might be the last of the class but she remains a capable ship. She has a highly trained and motivated ship's company that is determined to preserve the fine tradition that the Type 42s have established in 30 years of service."
