As reported in the Royal Navy’s latest news release, more than 1,600 sailors and Royal Marines are standing ready this Christmas to protect the UK’s interests both at home and around the world.
With 21 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels either deployed or on standby, the Navy remains heavily engaged in operations across the globe, underscoring its critical role in securing the UK and supporting its allies.
According to the press release, “Leading the way are the 130 submariners crewing the Vanguard-class submarine performing a strategic deterrence patrol – the 55th consecutive Christmas the Silent Service has performed the nation’s No.1 military mission,” with support from the Royal Marines of 43 Commando, ensuring the safety of missile storage and the submarine’s home base.
In UK waters, vessels like HMS Portland, the Fleet Ready Escort, are on standby to monitor ships of interest in the North Sea and Channel. Abroad, “HMS Cutlass and Dagger and the Pacific 24 RIBs of the RN Gibraltar Squadron will be on patrol in the Rock’s territorial waters throughout the festive period.”
HMS Medway is deployed in the Caribbean, while HMS Forth is visiting communities in the Falklands. Additionally, “icebreaker HMS Protector has begun her first stint of the 2024-25 season conducting key scientific research into global warming and the impact of tourism on the delicate Antarctic environment.”
The press release also mentions Royal Marines who are “taking a short break from their preparations for this winter’s deployment to northern Norway,” where they will continue their role as the UK’s specialist cold weather warriors, bolstering NATO’s Arctic defences.
In the Middle East, the UK Maritime Component Commander and Naval Support Facility are coordinating operations for HMS Lancaster and minehunters in Bahrain. Further east, “the two ships flying the flag for the UK in the vast Indo-Pacific region can be found around Singapore (HMS Spey and Tamar).”
The press release highlights the role of HMS Tamar’s crew, who despite being 11,000 kilometres from home, have received donations from Cornwall, including “tea, cider, and biscuits” which “don’t go unnoticed,” as stated by Lieutenant Justine Lambert.
Finally, four female sailors, known as the Valkyries, are currently rowing the Atlantic on a 3,000-mile voyage to Antigua. They are “now making good progress – averaging around 70 miles a day” after initially battling challenging weather conditions.
As quoted in the release, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key expressed his gratitude for the work of the Royal Navy personnel, noting, “Your resilience and professionalism have allowed us to deliver on another demanding year,” and he affirmed that the Royal Navy would enter 2025 “with many navies across the world” continuing to look to it “for advice and leadership.”
Nothing new, as many sailors spend their time away from their families at this time of year, keeping the seas safe for all. Its what we have always done. God Bless them all for their service. 🙂
Angus, but what is surprising is that we have as many as 21 RN and RFA ships deployed in international waters.
‘Stand ready’ what for they’ve all missed the invasion! LMFAO
Hope you all have quiet time over Xmas and stay safe and well god bless you all
“55th consecutive Christmas the Silent Service has performed the nation’s No.1 military mission” – quintuple alliteration! Not to be expected from an RN press release, love to see it.