It's Northern Lights, camera and action as HMS Somerset joins allies on Ex Arctic Dolphin
The crew of HMS Somerset have been lucky enough to see the aurora borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, off the coast of Norway – and took a stunning photo to prove it.
The Type 23 Frigate is currently taking part in Exercise Arctic Dolphin, operating alongside some of her Nato allies.
The annual exercise forms the basis for the education of submarine commanders as well as training in anti-submarine warfare for surface vessels.
HMS Somerset is one of the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates and is known for her speed, adaptability and versatility.
The ship has been deployed 12 times on operations since she was commissioned.
One notable success was seizing UK-bound cocaine with a potential street value of more than £500m – which was the then-biggest single haul of illegal drugs.
One video published by the ship's crew showed the Royal Navy's Merlin helicopters in action.
There are two types of Merlin helicopter currently in use in the Navy, the Mk2 and the Mk4.
The Mk2 is principally an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, although this versatile aircraft can also provide other roles, such as search and rescue, cargo transfer and maritime patrol.
The MK4, meanwhile, features several modifications for use by the Royal Marines. These include a fast roping beam that allows the rapid deployment of Special Forces from the main cabin door.
HMS Somerset also spotted Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Niels Juel - further showing the collaboration and co-operation between Nato nations.
The frigate is designed for a variety of missions, including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, but it is also capable of conducting humanitarian missions and peacekeeping operations.
Personnel from multiple areas of the British Forces are conducting exercises in the country – nearly 2,000 UK Commando Force personnel are gearing up for Ex Joint Viking in March, the largest military exercise in Norway this year.
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