"I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for their incredible work and am confident that HMS Diamond will continue to stand up for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers," Shapps said in a statement.
HMS Diamond, equipped with Sea Viper surface-to-air missiles, has patrolled the volatile region since the end of December, after the United States said it would muster a multinational naval force for the stated goal of protecting maritime shipping from Yemeni rebel attacks.
HMS Richmond, armed with Sea Ceptor air defense missiles, was rotated to the region at the beginning of January. After handing over to HMS Diamond, the warship will set sail for the UK for maintenance and resupply.