Following an intense period of counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean HMS Argyll has held a four-day visit to Bermuda.
On arrival the Type-23 frigate, which is on her way back to the UK following a seven-month deployment in the South Atlantic, held a reception and capability demonstration attended by the Bermudian governor, His Excellency George Fergusson, alongside other local dignitaries.
The Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Neild, said:
“It is fantastic to receive such a warm welcome in Bermuda, an island with very strong links to the Royal Navy.”
“Argyll has shown the great flexibility and value-for-money that a UK warship can deliver on operations throughout her deployment. Maintaining and building on relationships with British overseas territories is another important element of our work”.
Bermuda also provided an opportunity for the ship’s company to recuperate, after an intense period of operations, by participating in sport and adventurous training. The warm weather and beautiful seas provided great snorkelling and cliff jumping.
“The crew have really enjoyed their time in Bermuda and they deserve the opportunity to unwind”, said the ship’s Executive Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Al Davison.
“The Bermudian Police force were kind enough to play rugby and golf against us and the matches were competitive but still very friendly.”
Bermuda is a curving archipelago of 150 islands, surrounded by a reef and is the oldest self-governing British colony. The seven main islands are connected by bridges or causeways to form an area 22 miles long with an average width of less than 1 mile. The British Constitution provides for internal self government, with responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and the police retained by His Excellency the Governor.
This successful visit comes near the end of a varied deployment for Argyll that has seen her take part in a range of operations in the seas around Africa, the Falklands and the Eastern Pacific prior to entering the Caribbean.
This scope of operations, from counter narcotics, to working with partner nations in African, to reassurance in the Falkland Islands has displayed the huge variety of tasks a Royal Navy warship can undertake.
Argyll’s departure from Bermuda marks her last port visit prior to returning to her Devonport home later this month.
[mappress] Press Release, September 10, 2013; Image: Royal Navy