Royal Navy Frigate HMS Somerset Returns To Home Port

A Royal Navy frigate has returned to port at the end of a three-month,18,000-nautical-mile deployment spent shadowing Russian vessels and engaging in NATO training exercises.

Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset and her embarked Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron have been working alongside Norwegian, Danish and Dutch allies hunting submarines in Norway’s fjords on Exercise Arctic Dolphin.

The ship has also been called upon to track Russian vessels in U.K. waters on no fewer than six separate operations during a 100-plus-day deployment which began at short notice just after Christmas.

As per a recent Royal Navy press statement the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) 23 frigate sailed back into HMNB Devonport late last week, where her crew were greeted by friends and family.

Commanding Officer Commander Joel Roberts hailed the ship’s company’s “unwavering commitment and professionalism” and added: “Our presence has made a real and tangible difference in delivering U.K. national security objectives and reinforcing NATO’s mission of collective security, unity, and deterrence. 

“The work we have done, often in challenging conditions, has directly contributed to regional stability and reinforced the strength of our alliances.” 

• You can read more details on the Royal Navy website