British Royal Navy ship docks in Cayman

(CNS): The Royal Navy’s 436-foot frigate, HMS Lancaster, visited the Cayman Islands this weekend as part of a familiarisation and support tour of Britain’s Caribbean Overseas Territories in relation to the 2013 hurricane season. The vessel will spend what is expected to be a busy hurricane season in Caribbean waters ready to assist the territories in the event of a major storm or other natural disaster. CommandingOfficer Steve Moorhouse (left) said the ship carries expertise in a number of fields, essential supplies and a helicopter. Additional supplies can be requisitioned, if necessary, from RFA Wave Knight, a Royal Navy tanker that serves as a supply vessel. (Photos by Bina Mani)

Should the need arise, the vessel has the ability to reach any of the Caribbean territories between 24 and 36 hours.

Explaining the vessel’s mission, the CO, who heads a crew of 190 personnel including four women officers, said Cayman was the second UK territory that the Lancaster will visit during her six month deployment to the Caribbean.

“I am looking forward to working with Governor’s Office, the emergency services and the people of the Cayman Islands during the visit so that when we return to sea we are in the best possible position to support the islands and respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a hurricane or any other emergency,” he said on arrival.

The commanding officer met Governor Duncan Taylor, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Premier Alden McLaughlin, the director of Hazard Management and the acting Commissioner of Police. Teams of crew members also met with the air support and marine units of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, as well as top personnel at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

Over the summer, the ship will participate in joint patrols against narcotics trafficking, along with the US Coast guard and French and Dutch vessels in the region.

The ship’s Weapon Engineer Officer, Lt Cdr Adrian Gubby, described the ship as a well-protected frigate, which will be essential when conducting counter narcotic patrols through the summer.

“All warships are fitted with an impressive array of communications, which will be essential in the event of a natural disaster to help coordinate the relief effort,” he said.

Staff rest and recreation during the Grand Cayman visit included  friendly rugby and football matches, as well as shore leave for a number of crew members.

The Lancaster arrived from Bermuda at 10am Thursday and stayed in the Cayman Islands until Sunday, when it departed for the Turks and Caicos Islands. From there, the ship will sail to Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat and will remain in the region till November.