HMS Somerset's crew recalled on Christmas Day to track Russian ships over 500 miles
The nearly-200 strong crew of HMS Somerset have been praised after being recalled to their ship on Christmas Day to shadow a Russian naval group near the UK.
After returning to the frigate in Devonport naval base, the personnel then sailed on 27 December, shadowing the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and her two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev, for more than 500 miles.
The Russian ships were under constant watch as they travelled from the North Sea through the Dover Strait and into the English Channel.
The Russian vessels remained in international waters throughout, the Royal Navy said.
Commander Joel Roberts, HMS Somerset's Commanding Officer, pointed out how the Navy maintains units at very high readiness in order to carry out missions such as this.
"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," he said.
HMS Somerset relied on her extensive suite of sensors to track the three Russian vessels through some foggy conditions.
When the weather cleared, the ship's Merlin helicopter supported the monitoring mission.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard thanked the crew for their dedication after readying themselves for action at short notice during the Christmas period.
"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," he said,
HMS Somerset was one of 21 Royal Navy/Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels on patrol around the world or stood at immediate notice to sail over the festive period if needed.
Warrant Officer 1 Stephen Doyle, the frigate's Executive Warrant Officer, said that despite having to deploy on Christmas Day, the crew did so 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 on board," he said.
"Support from our families remains a key factor in allowing the sailors to perform at the highest level."
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