Somerset

HMS Somerset (F82)

HMS Somerset is a fast, versatile Type 23 frigate. Whether she’s escorting Russian craft or training helicopter crews, she’s one of our hardest workers.

Somerset’s motto is ‘Foy pour devoir’ – Faith for Duty.

If you add up her service so far, HMS Somerset could have steamed round the Earth 30 times since she was commissioned.

The crew is proud to have helped over 100 engineers of the future get qualified through the Engineering Training Squadron.

Facts & figures

Somerset

Facts & figures

100+

Engineers trained

133 metres

Total length

28+ knots

Top speed

Our skills

Somerset

Our skills

HMS Somerset is a fast, adaptable, versatile frigate. She has been deployed 12 times on operations since she was commissioned, and her specialisms include:

  • Fleet Ready Escort tasking – she’s very proficient at closing non-NATO units in and around British waters at rapid speeds
  • Anti-submarine operations – equipped with the advanced 2087 Towed Array Sonar
  • Soft power strategy – she regularly hosts NATO summits and showcasing maritime power around the world
  • Closing non-NATO units – in and around British waters at rapid speeds

Our operations

Somerset

Current operation

Training

United Kingdom

Putting our craft, kit and people through their paces so they perform to the highest standards.

Our base

Somerset

Our base

HMNB Devonport

Plymouth PL2 2BG
Telephone: ‎+44 345 748 4950

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Commanding Officer

Commander Dave Mason

HMS Somerset's role

HMS Somerset traces her history back three centuries, but it was in 2005 that she adopted her motto – ’Foy pour devoir’, which means faith for duty – from the Duke of Somerset, for whom she is named.

She’s a much-feted frigate, having won the Fleet Frigate Effectiveness Trophy more times than any other. She has been involved in an exciting span of operations including:

  • Seizing UK-bound cocaine with an potential street value of more than £500 million – the then biggest ever single haul of illegal drugs in the UK
  • Deploying to the Mediterranean to provide protection for the heads of governments attending conferences
  • Shadowing Russian naval destroyers through UK-waters

Unit history

Royal Navy careers

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