HMS Argyll Pays Visit to Island of Grand Turk

HMS Argyll came alongside island of Grand Turk for a two day community engagement and disaster relief planning visit.

The Plymouth based frigate visited Grand Turk, the administrative centre of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she hosted local disaster management leaders to discuss the capabilities the ship and her company could provide in the aftermath of a hurricane.

HMS Argyll’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Hammond, said: “We are here to show the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that HMS Argyll can provide a wide range of support from the sea without drawing on infrastructure or resources.”

On top of the disaster relief planning Argyll welcomed a number of local dignitaries, including the Governor of the Turks and Caicos, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, for a reception and capability demonstration.

This demonstration was an enhanced version that focussed on disaster relief by launching both the ship’s helicopter and sea boat.

The Premier of the Turks and Caicos, the Honourable Rufus E Ewing also accepted an invitation to visit the ship and held discussions with the Commanding Officer.

HMS Argyll has deployed to the Caribbean region to provide reassurance and, if required, humanitarian aid and disaster relief support to the UK’s British Overseas Territories and other islands during the hurricane season.

HMS Argyll will also conduct counter narcotics patrols in conjunction with the US Coast Guard to enhance regional security and deter illegal activity.