Colombian Military Officers Visit Portsmouth Naval Base

Senior military officers from Colombia visited Portsmouth Naval Base to learn about the Royal UK Navy’s role in protecting UK interests worldwide.

Thirty-two delegates from the Colombian War College toured the base and a Type 23 frigate as part of their studies into defence and security policy.

Following a tour of HMS Victory they went on the water for a harbour cruise before splitting up to take a look on board HMS Lancaster or sister ship HMS St Albans.

Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, Commander Catherine Jordan, said: “It was a pleasure to host Officers from the Colombian War College onboard St Albans and they appeared impressed with the ship following her refit.

She continued, “It gave the opportunity to showcase our capabilities and also learn about the capabilities of the Colombian Armed Forces.”

The day was rounded off with a visit to Naval Base Headquarters where the delegates were shown how Portsmouth-based warships are supported when they are deployed across the world to provide maritime security.

They also learned how the naval base will be upgraded to accommodate the Navy’s two new aircraft carriers – the first of which is due to arrive in 2017 – and BAE Systems’ Darren Grint took the opportunity to speak about the company’s international business development across Latin America.

The college was founded in 1909 and is renowned as the top higher-education military institution in Colombia.

Its aim is to educate high-ranking officers as well-rounded commanders, leaders and strategists. The students’ two-week visit to the UK also included visits to RAF and Army bases.