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HMS Somerset shadows Russian task group past UK over Christmas holidays

HMS Somerset (foreground) maintains watch on Russian corvette RFS Soobrazitelny
1 January 2025
The Royal Navy has kept a constant watch on a Russian naval group throughout the Christmas holidays as it sailed past the British Isles.

Nearly 200 crew of frigate HMS Somerset were recalled to their ship in Devonport Naval Base on Christmas Day and sailed on Friday December 27, making best speed to meet up with the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and her two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev.

The Russian force was encountered in the North Sea from where it has been constantly monitored as it passed through the Dover Strait and into the English Channel. 

With conditions in the Channel and North Sea foggy, aside from visually monitoring the Russian ships’ progress, HMS Somerset has used her extensive suite of hi-tech sensors to follow the trio for more than 500 miles.

When the weather has cleared, the ship’s Merlin helicopter – provided by 814 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall – has been 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 that – as it always has been – the Royal Navy remained prepared and committed to safeguarding the UK, holiday season or not.

“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.”
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.

WO1 Stephen Doyle

Warrant Officer 1 Stephen Doyle, the frigate’s Executive Warrant Officer, said that “despite the disappointment of being re-called 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.”

The ship’s company have been thanked for their efforts throughout the five-day shadowing operation, which concluded on New Year’s Eve, by Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard.

“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,” he said.

“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.

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