Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey teamed up with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘own ship’
11 June 2025
Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey teamed up with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘own ship’ in the narrow waters separating Korea from Japan.
Named after a pioneering WW2 female officer, US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton was launched by Mrs Obama in 2011 and has enjoyed her sponsorship ever since.
The cutter is assigned to the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, patrolling swathes of the western Pacific and Southeast Asia… the very same stomping ground as HMS Spey, also on a long-term mission to the region.
Slightly larger than Spey and equipped with helicopter, the Stratton performs similar duties to the British warship such as constabulary patrols, counter-smuggling operations, search and rescue.
Meeting up in the Korea Strait – the 120-mile-wide narrows separating the Republic of Korea with Japan – the two ships began with the basics then moved up through the gears: close manoeuvring and communications training (including Morse sent by Aldis lamp, still relevant in the days of encrypted digital comms because it’s difficult to intercept (or jam)).
While all this was going on, Spey decided to throw a man overboard and tackle a fire.
To enhance the understanding between the two Services (the USCG/RN also have a long-standing exchange programme), sailors traded places with their opposite numbers.
The tour of HMS Spey provided the US Coast Guard guests with a comprehensive look at all aspects of life aboard: the ship’s boats, mess decks, recreation spaces and machinery spaces, as well as some of procedures the RN uses to operate them.
“Exchanges like these show the cultural differences – and the professional similarities – between our sea-going organisations, building better relationships,” said Commander Paul Caddy, Spey’s Commanding Officer.
“The Royal Navy personnel on board the US Coast Guard cutter were rewarded with a front-row seat in several evolutions including watching the bridge team take the ship to sea and a promotion ceremony for Coastguardsmen.
“HMS Spey is looking forward to working again with the USCGC Stratton during the remainder of their ongoing West Pacific patrol.”
Among those joining the Americans on the Stratton was Lieutenant Nick O’Connor. “This was a great opportunity to share our experience as well as learn from our colleagues in the US Coast Guard who conduct a similar mission to HMS Spey.
“I would like to thank the US Coastguard for their great hospitality.”