HMS Tyne sailed on Christmas Eve to keep watch on the Smolnyy Perekov as it passed close to UK territorial waters. The Portsmouth-based ship remained at sea on Christmas Day to monitor the Russian vessel, the Royal Navy said. Commander Jon Browett, HMS Tyne’s Commanding Officer, said: “Leaving our families at this time of year is especially difficult.
“But national security doesn’t stop for Christmas, and as one of the duty units over the festive period we had bags packed and were ready to go.
“We had members of the ship’s company returning at short notice from all over the country and, hard as it is for those left at home, we are committed to keeping Britain safe all year round.
“Our families understand our role and undoubtedly make a tangible contribution to national security through their continued support.
“The UK’s trade, economy and information networks depend on the sea, and this operation demonstrates the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting our home waters at all times.”
HMS Tyne was due to return to Portsmouth on Boxing Day, remaining ready for tasking at short notice over the rest of the festive period.
More than 3,500 Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm personnel are either on duty or at short notice to respond to events at home and abroad this Christmas.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “I am grateful for the efforts of the crew of HMS Tyne, who have sailed on Christmas Eve, helping to safeguard our seas.
“This is yet another clear example of the tireless efforts of our armed forces, as they continue their tireless efforts to defend our country and our interests across the world.”
READ MORE: VIDEO: One of Russia’s most advanced frigates fires Kalibr missile
This involved organising inter-operability and the joint command and control of tactical groups.
The exercises appeared to be a sign of the two countries’ growing friendships.
Maxim Zabolotsky, chief of the Radiochemical and Biological Protection Service at the Tartus naval logistics facility, said there was a high level of cohesion of the troops from both Russia and Syria.
He said: “The conditions for the servicemen of the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic were complex and tense.
“But we coped with the task thanks to the joint skillful and coherent actions.”
Meanwhile, a Russian spy-ship was also returned to international waters off the southeastern coast of the US after operating in an “unsafe manner”, according to CNN.
The Viktor Leonov, a Russian surveillance ship, was sailing off the coast of South Carolina and Florida in the last few days, officials told CNN.
They added that the ship’s actions were considered unsafe as they were not using lights in low visibility weather and it is not responding to commercial vessels’ attempts to communicate to avoid potential accidents.
The official said the Vishnya-class spy ship was also engaged in “other erratic maneuvers.”