The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship ‘RFA Mounts Bay’ which aided in hurricane relief-efforts up the islands will arrive in T&T next week.
The ship arrived from the UK in July and is three months into a three-year Caribbean deployment.
In the early part of its deployment, it played a pivotal role in providing humanitarian relief in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Last month, the people of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Dominica were supported by its crew, who delivered aid to the ones in the isolated communities of the hurricane-ravaged islands. The crew also assisted in repairing critical infrastructure.
To support work ashore, the vessel carries an array of vehicles including diggers, trucks, quad bikes, command and all-terrain vehicles.
Its “Wildcat” helicopter was also used to assess damage after both hurricanes. The ship has been invaluable in delivering fresh water, shelter and aid to isolated communities.
Commanding the Commando Engineer Regiment, Lt Oli Fletcher RE described his small detachment of 19 people as being “full of useful skill-sets in times of need.”
“Plumbers, fitters, joiners, mechanics and plant operators provide a wide range of potential options to the Disaster Management team in that first 24 – 48 hours following a disaster. And with the army’s, Royal Navy’s and Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s assistance we can deploy rapidly and get to work where we are best needed,” Fletcher said.
Commanding Officer Captain Stephen Norris said it is a privilege to command such a versatile unit, “with such an amazing and helpful range of military personnel, equipment and capability.”
Norris added that while the ship’s primary task is to provide enhanced security and reassurance to the UK Oversees Territories, including disaster relief when called upon, “she will also be involved in work with regional partners on security issues in the area while being on very short notice to react to any emerging crises around the world.”