UK Navy’s most ‘advanced destroyer’ docks in VI
Whilst here, the crew will meet with members of the National Security Council, host a disaster exercise, and conduct an on-water search and rescue exercise.
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG in a statement spoke of the might of HMS Dauntless.
“HMS Dauntless is the Royal Navy’s most advanced destroyer,” Governor Rankin said, adding that the vessel has been deployed to the Caribbean to support British Overseas Territories during hurricane season and to counter drugs trafficking in the region.
He said HMS Dauntless recently seized 1.2 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated $175m while patrolling an area in the Caribbean Sea and that the ship’s Wildcat helicopter, Royal Marines and the US Coast Guard were all deployed to intercept the suspect boat.
“The team aboard HMS Dauntless will meet with key partners to ensure that they are ready to respond effectively should their support be required.
Safety & security of VI people ‘is my top priority’- Rankin
“The safety and security of the people of the Virgin Islands is my top priority. We must all remain prepared this hurricane season, and I am grateful that HMS Dauntless has been able to visit to demonstrate the assistance it can provide,” Governor Rankin stated.
He also said on the first day of the visit, the Governor attended a lunch with members of the BVI National Security Council, the ship’s Commanding Officer and other key individuals. The Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr The Hon Karl Dawson (R1), Acting Commissioner of Police St Clair Armory, Acting Attorney General Jo-Ann Williams-Roberts, and the Director of Disaster Management, Jason H. Penn, were in attendance.
According to the Governor, later in the week, HMS Dauntless will host a Disaster Relief Exercise on board in partnership with key local agencies.
“This exercise will help the crew of HMS Dauntless to better understand how the BVI would deal with a disaster and demonstrate what support the ship would be able to provide. Additionally, HMS Dauntless will conduct an exercise with the Police Marine Unit and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue,” Mr Rankin stated.
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23 Responses to “UK Navy’s most ‘advanced destroyer’ docks in VI”
Just like decent people have guns to protect, there are ships equipped with guns to do so as well on an extremely large scale. Be thankful cause we can’t even help ourselves in a world war.