Spent Christmas in the Barents Sea

The crew of the Norwegian coast guard vessel KV Svalbard has spent Christmas in the Barents Sea.

"Always present – prepared with what we have" is the Norwegian Coast Guard's motto and the coast guard vessel KV Svalbard has spent Christmas precisely around Svalbard and the Barents Sea.

"In these uncertain times, it is especially important that we are present and on guard for Norway," writes Lieutenant Kristin Løvendahl Berg in an e-mail to the National Defense Magazine - Norway.

The Norwegian Coast Guard sails year round and deals with sovereignty assertion, customs, fisheries, and catch inspection, and they are responsible for search and rescue within the Norwegian economic zone.

"Christmas Eve was spent in a Crrismas-decorated vessel and it was a wonderful festive evening. The steward served both lamb chops and pork with plenty of side dishes and good desserts," says Berg.

In this year's Christmas speech, Ship Commander Geir Martin Leinebø took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the Coast Guard's presence.

"You will probably have many important functions later in life in connection with Christmas celebrations. The task you have this Christmas is one of the most important tasks there is for the nation of Norway. You protected the nation's soverignty in a turbulent time. You should be proud of that task. We often say that we "take one for the team". This Christmas, we take one for the nation of Norway and Europe," said Leinebø. 

The crew also celebrated the New Year on board.