RFA Argus Returns to UK after Seven-Month Deployment

Royal Fleet Auxiliary Argus returned to the UK after a seven-month deployment to the US and Caribbean Sea on counter drugs and disaster-relief patrol.

On Thursday December 13, RFA Argus returned into the Port of Portland, Weymouth, having left Falmouth in May, from Atlantic Patrol Task (North) deployment.

The commanding officer of RFA Argus, Captain Gerry Patterson RFA, said:

“Argus, as a team, is a hybrid crew which melds the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Royal Navy into one unit under my command.

“RFA Argus deployed as the singleton UK naval unit on Atlantic Patrol Task (North) and, with the amalgam of units onboard, has operated as commander of a task group. This ship has been through the third busiest hurricane season in recorded history and has stood ready to assist the Island nations of the Caribbean particularly the UK Overseas Territories in recovery from Hurricane strikes.

“In addition RFA Argus has engaged in counter-narcotics operations, disrupting supplies of illegal substances to the US and Europe. We are proud of our achievements but nevertheless glad to be back to our families and loved ones in time for the festive season.”

The first six weeks saw the ship representing the UK during the United State’s 1812 bicentenary celebrations; an event that marked the United States becoming independent. For four weeks, she joined a procession of sail to Norfolk, Baltimore and Boston becoming the first time in history an RFA ship delivered a gun salute on entering a port.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, visited RFA Argus with the United States Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathon Greenert, in Baltimore. RFA ARGUS headed south to the Caribbean for the UK’s year-round commitment to the region in support of potential humanitarian aid and disaster relief including hurricanes, floods and volcanic eruptions.

RFA Argus spent six months patrolling the region, ready to respond to any emergency. However, the islands were able to deal with the impact of Tropical Sandy without requiring assistance from Argus, although 200 shelter kits were delivered to needy communities following the passage of Storm Sandy to assist in the rebuild process.

RFA Argus made several port calls to islands such as Montserrat, in the region to provide training and planning assistance in how best to respond to natural disasters.The visits coincided with national independence celebrations and provided the crew with an opportunity to march in several parades, again showcasing Great Britain’s continued presence and commitment to the region.

RFA Argus also embarked a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, to help patrolling the central and southern Caribbean. This joint operation, including US, Dutch and British ships, was successful in disrupting the trafficking of illegal narcotics through to the US and Europe.

After 7.5 months deployment the crew is due a well-earned break and the ship will enter a short refit period before returning to sea in the middle of 2013. The ship will resume its role as the UK’s primary casualty receiving ship, ready on short-notice to embark a full team of medical specialists and sail to any potential hotspot in the world.

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Naval Today Staff, December 17, 2012; Image: Royal Navy