The Royal Navy Completes Successful Exercises in Montserrat
The Commander of the Royal Navy Task Force says the disaster preparedness exercises held in Montserrat over the past three days have been successful.
Brian Trim told ZJB News that the training was vital in their preparation for the Atlantic hurricane season, which is predicted to be above normal.
The training exercises, which involved crew from RFA Wave Knight and HMS Medway were concentrated in the Fox’s Bay area, and assisted in honing the skills and co-ordination of the Royal Navy team in responding to disasters.
It included boat and helicopter operations and commando engineers who were onshore near Fox’s Bay.
Members of the taskforce had limited interaction with persons on island.
However Commander Trim says caution was taken to ensure that COVID-19 protocols were strictly adhered to.
Commander of the Royal Navy Task Force Brian Trim.
Commanding Officer of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force Major Alvin Ryan assisted with coordinating on shore activities.
He says the task force is now in a better position to assist Montserrat, should the need arise.
Major Alvin Ryan
Governor His Excellency Andrew Pearce welcomed the training exercises.
He also said it was reassuring that the Royal Navy is close by in case they are needed, this hurricane season.
Governor His Excellency Andrew Pearce.
HMS Medway provides the Royal Navy’s permanent presence in the Caribbean and is now into her second hurricane season.
This year she has been joined by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship Wave Knight, along with a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter, specialist personnel, equipment and supplies for disaster relief; including highly-skilled troops such as 24 Commando and Royal Engineers.