HMS Tyne monitors movements of Russian frigate

Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tyne has monitored a Russian frigate as it passed through the English Channel.

The Portsmouth-based warship kept a watchful eye on the Yaroslav Mudry, a Russian Neustrashimy-class frigate, last week.

Tyne is the latest patrol vessel to be activated this year to monitor the activity of Russian surface ships sailing in or close to the UK’s area of interest.

Patrol ship HMS Mersey, destroyer HMS Diamond, and frigate HMS Montrose have all been dispatched to observe Russian vessels passing the UK in recent months.

Lieutenant Peter Cowan, HMS Tyne’s Executive Officer, said: “Escorting foreign warships is not only a clear statement of our nation’s determination to protect our area of interest but is also a great opportunity for our people.

“It challenges the ship’s company by asking them to prepare and deliver a dynamic tasking and use their expert knowledge and experience to lead us to a successful mission.”

It comes after a busy few months at sea for HMS Tyne. After a challenging but rewarding two weeks in the Western Isles under the instruction of Flag Officer Sea Training, Tyne was straight back to work and since August has been busy across a wide range of tasks.

The ship’s company have trained the Royal Navy’s next generation of navigators, conducted marine enforcement operations with the Marine Management Organisation, and are now demonstrating the Royal Navy’s ability to patrol and safeguard the UK’s waters.