Royal Navy vessels based in Plymouth and Portsmouth were deployed this week to monitor Russian warships navigating through British waters, according to a Navy spokesperson.
HMS St Albans, a Plymouth-based Type-23 frigate, shadowed the Russian destroyer Admiral Golovko as it sailed eastbound through the English Channel. The frigate also deployed a Merlin helicopter to gather aerial intelligence.
Meanwhile, HMS Mersey, a Portsmouth-based patrol ship, was tasked with tracking the Russian Navy’s Soobrazitelny as it moved westward.
Commander Matt Teare, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, highlighted the significance of these operations, stating that the frequent presence of Russian vessels near UK shores underlines the crucial need for ongoing collaboration with allied forces.
Earlier this month, HMS St Albans also took part in a three-day mission to monitor the Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoikiy, demonstrating the frigate’s high state of readiness.
Commander Teare expressed immense pride in his crew, commending their professionalism and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s waters.
In a coordinated effort with the Joint Maritime Security Centre, HMS Mersey continued to track the Soobrazitelny, supported by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidesurge. Additionally, the Russian tanker Kola, sailing in the same direction, was also closely monitored.
The Royal Navy’s continuous vigilance highlights its essential role in maintaining the security and sovereignty of British waters.
