Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus is playing a colourful role in the launch of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week 2013 after being officially dressed in bunting for the festival. RFA Argus is currently docked in Falmouth for works to be completed by A&P Falmouth, as part of the company’s ‘cluster’ contract with the Ministry of Defence.
Visitors to Falmouth Week, which began on Friday 9 August and continues until Sunday 18 August, have the opportunity to see RFA Argus ‘dressed overall’ with bunting from end to end in honour of the festival.
Andrew Gudgeon QGM, Commanding Officer, said:
“RFA Argus has become a well-recognised sight in recent years; having undergone a five-month programme of works earlier this year, and being used for the filming of Brad Pitt’s zombie movie World War Z here in 2011.
“As her latest visit for final checks before deployment coincided with Falmouth Week it seemed fitting that she should be dressed overall for the occasion – a spectacular sight for anyone who visits during the regatta.”
RFA Argus is the UK’s Primary Casualty Receiving Ship; able to treat up to 100 casualties at a time ensuring wounded service personnel of any nationality can receive rapid medical care on operations. She also provides specialist aviation training facilities.
A&P Falmouth’s ‘cluster’ contract with the MOD for the long term maintenance of RFA ships was originally signed in 2008 and earlier this year was extended by five years, taking it to 2018 following a value for money review.
In addition to RFA Argus under the cluster contract, A&P Falmouth also provides ‘Through Life Support’ including refit and maintenance periods to RFA Mounts Bay, Cardigan Bay and Lyme Bay.
[mappress] Press Release, August 14, 2013; Image: Royal Navy