Continuing her Atlantic Patrol Tasking, HMS Richmond dropped anchor off Georgetown, Ascension Island for a very busy and productive fourteen hour visit.
Whilst the primary purpose of visiting was to top up stores, receive mail and personnel from the UK air bridge, the Commanding Officer, Cdr Rob Pedre was delighted to host a lunch onboard.
Those attending included: the Administrator of Ascension Island, Mr Colin Wells; the Chief Executive of Resources, Mr Hamish Stewart; Wing Commander Mark Taylor RAF, Commander of the Ascension Island Base; Major Delvin Williams USAF, Commander of the US Air Force Base; and Inspector Rod Paterson of the Island’s police.
A number of tours were conducted throughout the ship for RAF personnel and Scouts who came aboard to learn more about the Royal Navy, whilst at the same time groups of the ships company were able to go ashore and enjoy such delights as the Green Mountain, English Bay and undertake some adventurous training with the local diving school.
Despite it being a Bank Holiday for the island, the ships company were warmly welcomed wherever they went.
HMS Richmond is currently deployed on operations as part of her Atlantic Patrol Tasking.
[mappress] Press Release, September 13, 2013; Image: Royal Navy