Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Tyne was tasked with shadowing Russian warships through the English Channel twice in three days.
The River-class vessel and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron in Yeovilton were called upon last week when two Russian cargo ships and their military escorts entered British waters.
First the Portsmouth-based patrol ship and her air support were called out to watch over Russian Navy Ropucha-class landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky and merchant vessel Sparta IV.
As per a RN press statement: “During the Russians’ voyage through the Atlantic, English Channel and into the North Sea, British warship Tyne utilised powerful sensors and radars to report on every move, with the Wildcat simultaneously flying a sortie over the Channel to provide additional surveillance and security.”
The OPV took over tracking duties from HMS Cutlass of the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron, which had picked up the Russian ships as they left the Mediterranean.
Then two days later the OPV had to reprise the role as Aleksandr Shabalin, another Russian Ropucha-class warship, and cargo vessel MV Sabetta sailed westward through the Channel.
HMS Tyne’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matt Cavill said: “Operations such as these are vital to demonstrate resolve, protect our waters and gain intelligence to support future operations.”
And 815 Naval Air Squadron’s CO Commander James Woods added: “This activation demonstrated the professionalism, speed and effectiveness that 815 Naval Air Squadron brings to operations at home and abroad. Our aircrew and engineers delivered clear, timely situational awareness and integrated seamlessly with HMS Tyne.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website