The Royal Navy has confirmed that HMS Duncan and a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron tracked a Russian destroyer by means of UK waters in a 48-hour NATO operation, marking the primary time a British warship has been tasked straight underneath the alliance’s command for such a mission.
In response to the official launch, Portsmouth-based HMS Duncan was activated by NATO Allied Maritime Command in Northwood to shadow the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov by means of the English Channel.
The mission fashioned a part of NATO’s wider maritime safety effort throughout northern Europe, complementing ongoing work by HMS Somerset within the North Atlantic.
A coordinated multinational response noticed Duncan’s Wildcat helicopter joined by a Dutch Air Drive NH90 and the French Navy. The Ministry of Defence mentioned the operation “underscores the federal government’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding UK waters and defending nationwide safety by means of the Plan for Change.”
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns mentioned, “The Royal Navy stands prepared to reply to any Russian naval exercise. They conduct fixed monitoring operations to safeguard Britain and our territorial waters. As soon as once more the Royal Navy has deployed underneath Allied Maritime Command, underpinning our unwavering solidarity with NATO to counter Russian exercise.”
HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dan Lee, added, “This operation highlights the Royal Navy’s dedication to safeguarding UK waters and dealing seamlessly with our NATO allies to make sure the safety of our shared maritime areas. The professionalism and teamwork displayed by all concerned ensured the operation was performed safely and successfully, showcasing our shared resolve to uphold worldwide maritime norms.”
HMS Duncan is connected to Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), the alliance’s premier process power working throughout northern European waters. In the meantime, Sort 23 frigate HMS Somerset continues maritime safety patrols between Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland as a part of Operation Relentless, defending the UK’s nuclear deterrent assigned to NATO.
HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Millyard, mentioned, “Working as a part of SNMG1 over the previous couple of weeks has allowed us to additional contribute to NATO’s presence within the area. The port visits have been an amazing alternative for the crew to chill out after a busy operational interval and put together for a fair busier interval over the subsequent few months.”