UK

HMS Liverpool escorts Russian carrier

HMS Liverpool has escorted the Russian carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and Russian ship Admiral Chabanenko as they passed by British Territorial waters.

The Type 42 destroyer was acting as Fleet Ready Escort as she prepares for decommissioning during the Spring which will mark the end of her 30-year career.

She followed a carrier-led Russian task group from the Channel off south-west England to the seas off south-west Ireland.

The task group of two warships and five support ships were making their way home to the northern and Baltic fleets of the Russian navy.

HMS Liverpool's Commanding Officer, Commander Colin Williams, said: ''As an island nation, it is essential for the UK to maintain a military presence in our waters.

''HMS Liverpool is well-placed to carry out this duty after her extremely successful Operation Ellamy and Nato contributions off Libya last year.''

PICTURE: LA(Phot) Simmo Simpson, FRPU(E), Royal Navy