British warship HMS Argyll has visited Willemstad, Curacao as part of her six month deployment to the Caribbean.
The most capable Type 23 Frigate visited in order to conduct integration meetings with the Dutch regional counter-narcotics headquarters.
The ship and headquarters’ staff will work together over the coming weeks to deter the illegal drugs trade in the Caribbean region.
HMS Argyll’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Hammond, made a call on the Governor of Curacao, Lucille Andrea George-Wout accompanied by Commodore Lodder of the Royal Netherlands navy, who is responsible for all Dutch units operating in the Caribbean region.
Discussions at the calls centred around Counter Narcotic Operations; also a primary task for the Dutch military in the region.
HMS Argyll also hosted an evening reception for local dignitaries to demonstrate the ship’s capabilities and to explain to a wider audience her work and her role in the region.
Commander Paul Hammond said:
Our visit to Curacao has allowed us to better understand how to work most effectively when conducting counter-narcotics with our international partners, the Dutch in particular, and I look forward to yet more success when we sail.
HMS Argyll has deployed to the Caribbean region to provide reassurance and, if required, humanitarian aid and disaster relief support to the UK’s British Overseas Territories and other islands during the hurricane season.
HMS Argyll will also conduct counter narcotics patrols in conjunction with the US Coast Guard to enhance regional security and deter illicit activity.
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Press release, Image: UK Navy