Portsmouth based Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster has spent the weekend in Bermuda – her first stop on a six month deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean.
Upon arrival she joined RFA Wave Knight as part of the Atlantic Patrol Taskforce (North) which provides Humanitarian aid and Disaster relief support to the UK’s British Overseas Territories and other islands during the Caribbean hurricane season.
RFA Wave Knight has been on operations in this region since the beginning of the year.
HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse, said:
“I am particularly pleased that the island of Bermuda is the first port of call on our deployment.
“The relationship between Bermuda and the Royal Navy goes back hundreds of years and it is appropriate that as we arrive in the Caribbean we return to an island that was once a welcoming home to many naval personnel.
“After many months of preparation, the visit is a fantastic reward for my Ship’s Company and we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Bermuda and supporting the islanders in any way possible.”
During her brief visit to Bermuda members of the public had the opportunity to go onboard and take a tour, hosted by the ships company.
The ship’s company also met the Governor and attended the Bermuda Regiment Change of Command parade.
They also undertook joint training with elements of the Regiment and spent time with the Bermuda Police Service.
During the six-month deployment Lancaster will visit all six of the British Overseas Territories in the region as well as numerous Commonwealth and Caribbean countries in order to conduct regional defence engagement.
These visits will provide the opportunity to train with other navies as well as demonstrate the Royal Navy’s continued commitment to the region.
In between visits, Lancaster will be conducting counter narcotics patrols in conjunction with the US Coast Guard but will remain at high readiness throughout the deployment to provide support and life-saving assistance in the wake of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
[mappress] Press Release, June 10, 2013; Image: Royal Navy