The Royal Navy has joined forces with the US for a practice operation in the icy waters of the Arctic.

While many Armed Forces personnel remain in the UK supporting the current national fight against Covid-19, the ship’s company of HMS Kent are focused on ensuring the UK is prepared for future global threats.

Among those onboard the Plymouth-based frigate are RNAS Culdrose's submarine-hunting helicopter crew from 814 Naval Air Squadron, known as the Flying Tigers.

HMS Kent joined two American destroyers, a nuclear submarine, support ship and long-range maritime patrol aircraft above the Arctic Circle this week to hone skills in challenging environmental conditions.

The ship is designed to help protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent and keep Britain safe.

The chilly waters, which are no warmer than four degrees Celsius, provide a new challenge as sea temperature, salinity and various temperature layers, play key roles in how effective sonar is.

More than 1,200 military personnel from the two nations are involved in the Arctic operation.

Commander Matt Sykes, the commanding officer of the frigate, said: “I am delighted for HMS Kent to have this opportunity to work with our US allies.

"Conducting an exercise in the Arctic Circle is a new challenge for the ship’s company, whose dedication and professionalism in preparing for this exercise have been impressive.

“The challenges of working in this extreme environment should not be underestimated but HMS Kent’s presence here continues to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the north Atlantic and high north.

"Finally, I would like to thank the friends and families of HMS Kent for their unswerving support throughout this period.”

Both the UK and the US are committed to ensuring no nation dominates the Arctic region, which is assuming growing importance in the face of increased activity and melting polar ice.

The Arctic exercise comes on the back of Anglo-US anti-submarine warfare training in UK waters just a few weeks ago, when the two allies linked up to help train future boat commanders undertaking the Royal Navy’s world-renowned Submarine Command Course – also known as Perisher.

It’s the second time in two months that the Royal Navy has tested its ability to operate in the challenging conditions off the Norwegian coast. In March, Kent’s sister frigate HMS Sutherland pitted herself against a Norwegian submarine.