'Fantastic' families day aboard HMS Mersey as loved ones sail around Portsmouth in respite after Russian ops

Smiling Royal Navy sailors were joined by their loved ones aboard ship to show them was life is like at sea.

Portsmouth-based patrol vessel HMS Mersey hosted two families days over the past week. Personnel from all three watches aboard the River-class vessel got the chance to welcome their beloved guests and spend time with them onboard.

Visitors of all ages got the chance to cruise around the Solent in a memorable experience. Families days are regularly organised to allow sailors to be with their nearest and dearest, as they can be separated from them for weeks if not months at a time.

Various charitable organisations - including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Naval Families Federation - were on board to give guests tours of the ship and treat them to delicious sandwiches and cakes.

Commanding Officer for HMS Mersey, Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, said: “Today is a fantastic opportunity for us to take our loved ones, friends and family to sea and demonstrate what we do when we’re off the wall and over the horizon. We are supported by many organisations like RNRMC and Naval Families Federation, who are here to give our families and loved ones a better understanding of the support that is available”.

HMS Mersey has been regularly deployed to monitor Russian ships, with activity increasing dramatically around the English Channel. A recent task involved tracking the Kremlin frigate RFS Neustrashimy, which conducted a life weapons exercise around 45 miles from the British coast.

After returning to HMNB Portsmouth, celebrations continued with a hog roast dinner, while an ice cream van proved popular with children and sailors alike. The event was made possible through an RNRMC grant.

They’re used for initiatives to help sailors reconnect with their families after periods of separation, gain a better understanding of where they lived and work, and experience life at sea alongside them. Applications for grants can be made here.