A Navy helicopter from Cornwall was deployed as part of a last minute mission to track a Russian warship across the South West. Nearly 200 crew sailed onboard a Royal Navy frigate at short notice over Christmas.
It was to shadow a Russian warship through the English Channel. Nearly 200 crew were recalled to HMS Somerset at Devonport Naval Base on Christmas Day and sailed on Friday December 27, making best speed to shadow the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and her two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev.
From the North Sea, the Russians ships were constantly monitored as they passed through the Dover Strait and into the English Channel. The Russian ships remained in international waters throughout the transit. The Prime Minister has stressed that keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change.
The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government’s five missions in its plan.
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With conditions in the Channel and North Sea foggy, aside from visually monitoring the Russian ships’ progress, HMS Somerset used her extensive suite of hi-tech sensors to follow the trio for more than 500 miles.
When the weather cleared, the ship’s Merlin helicopter – provided by 814 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall – became airborne to support the monitoring mission and also capture imagery of both the Russian vessels and HMS Somerset’s shadowing operation.
HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Joel Roberts, said: “As the UK is an island nation, at all times of the year the Royal Navy maintains units at very high readiness to conduct operations in support of the UK’s national objectives. Maintaining maritime security, demonstrating an assertive presence, ensuring compliance with maritime law, and deterring malign activity in our territorial and adjacent waters are essential components of our maritime strategy and crucial to our national interests.”
Russian corvette Soobrazitelny manoeuvres in the Channel – as seen from HMS Somerset’s Merlin Mk2 helicopter
Minister for the Armed Forces and Plymouth MP Luke Pollard said: “I would like to thank the crew of HMS Somerset for their dedication after readying themselves for action at short notice during the Christmas period, and promptly setting sail from Devonport to keep the UK safe. All the sailors involved are testament to the professionalism of the UK Armed Forces, with thousands more sailors, soldiers, and aviators keeping us secure at home and strong abroad, throughout the year.”
HMS Somerset is one of 21 Royal Navy/Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels on patrol, deployed around the globe or at immediate notice to sail over the festive period if required. Warrant Officer 1 Stephen Doyle, the frigate’s Executive Warrant Officer, said: “Despite being recalled on Christmas day, HMS Somerset’s crew spun up at short notice for operational tasking in a swift and professional manner.
“Personnel returned from leave from all parts of the UK; although returning during this period is always emotional, the requirement for the tasking was understood by all onboard. Support from our families remains a key factor in allowing the sailors to perform at the highest level.”