The Royal Navy recalled almost 200 sailors on Christmas Day to shadow Russian warships in the North Sea and English Channel. HMS Somerset was deployed to monitor the Russian vessels, which remained in international waters.
The Royal Navy recalled nearly 200 sailors on Christmas Day to shadow Russian warships for 500 miles in the North Sea and through the English Channel . The crew of frigate HMS Somerset set sail on December 27, to keep a watch on the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev. The Russian ships remained in international waters until December 31, when HMS Somerset finished shadowing them.
HMS Somerset's commanding officer, Commander Joel Roberts, said: '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.' Stephen Doyle, the frigate's executive warrant officer, said: 'Despite being recalled 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.' Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: '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
Royal Navy Russian Warships HMS Somerset North Sea English Channel
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