Portsmouth based frigate HMS Lancaster has completed a successful visit to the Belize where she took part in Independence Day celebrations. The Type 23 frigate is on a six month deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean providing reassurance and security to the region as well as conducting counter narcotic operations.
Lancaster was anchored off Belize City for four days and a squad of 20 sailors took part in the Independence Day parade in the capital, Belmopan on 21 September.
Dressed in their tropical No 1 uniforms they marched amongst servicemen from the Belize Defence Force for a total of four miles around the city; cheered all the way by local citizens and school children.
The frigate was welcomed to Belize with a reception by the Governor General, which concluded with a midnight flag lowering ceremony – the time the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in the country in 1981.
Additionally the Commanding Officer met with several officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the British High Commissioner and the heads of the Belizean Military, to discuss the ships capabilities, both in terms of counter narcotic operations as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Other official functions included a wreath laying ceremony at the British Army Training and Support Unit in Belize, which used to house the large contingent of British servicemen until 2011.
The ceremony served to remember those who had died in service or training in Belize since the end of the Second World War and was attended by the Royal British Legion.
HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse, said:
“It was a great honour and a privilege for me to be able to bring Lancaster to Belize and take part in the Independence Day celebrations.
“Belize has a long and rich history with the UK and the Royal Navy in particular and I believe that our visit has renewed old friendships and helped establish many new ones.
“Whilst we are in the region we will continue to support the people of Belize in any way we can.”
While in Belize the Ship’s Company also hosted several tours for a range of people including the Sea Scouts, Liberty Children’s Home and members of the British expat community in Belize.
These tours gave all involved an insight into Lancaster and what she offers the Royal Navy and its partners.
Lancaster will now embark on a further counter narcotics patrol in the Central Caribbean – just one of the many roles she is currently carrying out on her deployment in support of British interests overseas.
[mappress] Press Release, September 27, 2013; Image: Royal Navy