Naval assets including HMS Somerset, HMS St Albans, HMS Mersey and RFA Tideforce were deployed to track four Russian vessels. These included a surfaced submarine and multiple warships operating near UK maritime approaches.
HMS Mersey, based in Portsmouth, was activated three times between March 29 and April 7. The patrol vessel worked alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and tanker Tideforce.
The task group monitored the movements of Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin and submarine Krasnodar. These operations focused on maintaining situational awareness of naval activity near UK waters.
Separately, HMS Somerset intercepted Russian destroyer Severomorsk and support vessel Kama near the coast of Brittany, France. The frigate tracked the vessels through the Channel and into the North Sea using onboard sensors and radar systems.
HMS St Albans later joined HMS Somerset as part of a formal handover. The transition coincided with Somerset beginning a four-month deployment in the North Atlantic focused on submarine monitoring and protection of undersea infrastructure.
George Hage, Executive Officer of HMS Mersey, highlighted the role of the vessel in national defence operations. “Mersey routinely acts as one of the high readiness units to protect UK waters, alongside her sister ships HMS Tyne and Severn,” he said.
“Our ability to provide a presence to monitor the Russian activity in UK water is no small feat especially with such an increase in activity over the last few months,” Hage added. He noted the operational tempo has risen in recent months.
“I am extremely proud of Mersey’s ship’s company for their continued dedication and hard work in delivering Mersey to the frontline for these operations,” he said. He emphasised the efforts of the crew during the deployment.
“We are very proud to be part of the Royal Navy’s commitment to the maritime security of the United Kingdom,” Hage added. He also pointed to the importance of cooperation with allied forces.
“Working with our NATO allies continues to highlight the teamwork and strength behind the NATO alliance,” he said. The operations underline ongoing coordination between the UK and its partners in maintaining maritime security.
