UK task group braves Norwegian winter for 'Cold Response'

The UK's Amphibious Task Group, led by the amphibious assault ship HMS Albion, is undergoing training during the Norwegian winter as part of NATO's Exercise 'Cold Response', which finishes on 4 March.

Hosted by the Norwegian armed forces, 'Cold Response' has nearly 2,000 Royal Navy (RN) sailors, Royal Marines and soldiers taking part, as well as further support from Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Wave Knight.

The task group of ships also includes HMS Ocean, RFA ship Mounts Bay and the Dutch landing platform dock (LPD) HNLMS Johan De Witts.

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) will also provide fast jets, a Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft and a C-130 transport aircraft to shuttle men and equipment from RAF Lyneham in the UK.

HMS Albion's spokesman, Commander Geoff Wintle, said: "The conditions in Norway – extreme cold weather, heavy snow and uncompromising terrain – provide a very challenging natural backdrop. Flying aircraft, driving vehicles and just surviving in the open become far more difficult, requiring skills that are difficult to practise in the UK's training areas.

"RN sailors and Royal Marines will be operating a range of landing craft and fast boats, while some of the RN's largest and most valuable warships will be manoeuvring in the Norwegian fjords in order to deliver and then support the landing force ashore."