The Commodore of the Devonport Flotilla has paid a special visit to HMS Argyll while she visited Balboa in Panama.
Commodore Richard Farrington took the opportunity to go onboard the Type 23 frigate, assess the platform and address the Ship’s Company while in the Central American country.
HMS Argyll is currently in the latter stages of South Atlantic Patrol – a deployment that has taken her down the length of West Africa and across the South Atlantic in support of British interests worldwide.
Addressing the ship’s company Cdre Farrington said:
“Argyll is a ship you can rely on and she is delivering at the very highest levels of defence.”
The Commodore spent 48 hours onboard Argyll during which time he talked to the ship’s company and visited all departments.
Argyll spent five days in Panama where she replenished stocks and hosted engagement events.
Commander Tim Neild, the Commanding Officer of HMS Argyll, said:
“I was delighted to bring Argyll to Panama. The opportunity to meet our Panamanian partners gave us a chance to build mutual understanding and garner support for a strong relationship.”
The centrepiece of this relationship building was a successful reception and capability demonstration on board Argyll attended by 180 local opinion makers and dignitaries.
Among those attending the event was Patricia Cerjack, representative of the Panamanian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Argyll is due to return to Devonport Naval Base in September.
[mappress] Press Release, August 2, 2013; Image: Royal Navy