Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and its embarked Merlin helicopter have been conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises in the Atlantic.
As per a recent RN press statement those aboard the warship have been honing their skills while on patrol duties between the UK and Norway during the last month.
The Type 23 frigate carries an embarked Merlin Mk2 helicopter as part of its arsenal of ASW capabilities: in this case, Menace Flight, part of 814 Naval Air Squadron. Also known as The Flying Tigers, 814 NAS is based out of RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.
The drills conducted by the helicopter and frigate included the aircraft deploying a Sting Ray Training Variant Torpedo (TVT).
In the simulation, having located a hostile underwater threat, the Merlin released a sensor-bearing TVT, its fall slowed by detachable parachute; the weapon seeks its target once in the water.
Commanding officer of 814 NAS Commander Ed Holland commented: “Conducting continuation training builds that essential teamwork between the frigate and the helicopter crews. Together, they offer a potent capability to combat threats both beneath and on the surface of the sea.
“With its suite of radar, sonar, sonobuoys and its ability to carry torpedoes, the Merlin Mk2 is at home in the frigate. Operating in the North Atlantic is essential to safeguard the undersea cables and pipelines that the UK and our allies rely upon.”
He added: “Conducting training such as this allows my teams to maximise their performance.”
The RN said HMS Somerset took over patrol duties from frigate HMS St Albans last month, during a handover which involved shadowing a Russian destroyer and support ship through the Channel and North Sea.
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website