HMS Lancaster has returned to counter narcotics patrols in the Caribbean Sea following a stopover in Curacao for the island’s national day. Lancaster sailed into the city of Willemstad, on the Dutch administered island, following another successful counter narcotics patrol that saw her seize a vast amount cocaine and marijuana.
Her visit to Curacao coincided with their national day ‘Dia de Pais’, in which Lancaster ‘dressed ship.’
The Type 23 frigate set to work as soon as she came alongside by staging a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief capability demonstration for the Curacao Disaster Management Bureau.
Guests were treated to a presentation before touring the ship to establish an understanding of what she can offer Curacao in the wake of any disaster.
Capabilities such as logistic and engineering support as well as fire fighting and medical assistance were demonstrated and discussed.
A more general capability demonstration was then supplied the following day when the ship was open to the public.
HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse, said:
“It was a great honour and a privilege for me to be able to bring Lancaster to this beautiful island.
“It’s the first Dutch territory we have visited on our deployment and an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities to a partner nation.
“As we sail from Curacao we look forward to spending a period of time working with, and training alongside, Dutch naval vessels and aircraft in a joint effort to combat drug trafficking in the region.”
As with previous visits Lancaster hosted an evening reception on board attended by the Acting Governor of Curacao, as well as several members of the Dutch naval forces based in the Caribbean doing similar work to Lancaster.
The evening ended with a traditional ceremonial sunset along with Lancaster’s personal touch of a bagpipe accompaniment.
Sport also plays a big part of any port visit with Lancaster fielding teams for golf, cricket, football and rugby.
Unfortunately losses came across the board with the football team losing 4-1 to a strong Dutch Army team, the Rugby team losing to the Curacao Rugby Federation by 25-15 in a tightly contested affair and the Cricket team losing in a 20-20 match against Curacao Cricket Club.
Lancaster will now embark on a further counter narcotics patrol in the Central Caribbean, where she has already seen success.
Counter narcotic operations with partner nations is just one of a range of tasks Lancaster is conducting across the Caribbean in support of British interests.
Others include providing reassurance and security for British Overseas Territories and the provision of humanitarian aid and disaster relief during the core hurricane season.
[mappress] Press Release, October 23, 2013; Image: Royal Navy