HMS Argyll Provides Support in the Caribbean

HMS Argyll has been working its way through the Caribbean undertaking community projects on nearly every island it has visited.

Plymouth based HMS Argyll has visited the Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat to demonstrate her ability to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief and security at sea.

But while all of this has been taking place, teams from the ship’s company have been quietly working with local communities on projects that will ultimately help many of the islanders.

Argyll’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Hammond, said: “These projects build trust and help improve our knowledge of the islands, the people and their needs.

He continued, “Above all these projects mean so much to the local communities and that is why they are so important to us in the Royal Navy.”

Twenty members of Argyll’s ship’s company stepped ashore in the Turks and Caicos to repair an old lake side shelter and decking area which was damaged by Hurricane Irene six years ago.

At roughly 70 feet long repairing this facility was no small task but the sailors were assisted by the community.

In the British Virgin Islands, 15 personnel went ashore to repair and paint a local rotary house and old government museum building.

The work was completed pretty quickly so the team also went on to paint a neighbouring house.

Lastly, whilst at anchor off Montserrat, 90 members of ship’s company went ashore to assist in various projects from the modernisation of facilities to rebuilding rain shelters.

On all these occasions islanders showed their appreciation by providing the sailors with local food and drink.

HMS Argyll is in the Caribbean to provide reassurance and, humanitarian aid and disaster relief support to the UK’s Overseas Territories during the hurricane season.

HMS Argyll is currently conducting counter narcotics patrols in conjunction with international partners to enhance regional security and deter illicit activity.