“RFA Argus” launching helicopters.
ANGUILLA--On Saturday, April 18, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Argus was in Anguillian waters. Helicopters conducted flights over and around the island but did not land and the crew did not disembark.
The primary purpose of the flights was for the air crews from Argus to familiarise themselves with possible landing sites in Anguilla ahead of the 2020 hurricane season. RFA Argus is in the Caribbean to support the British Overseas Territories during the upcoming hurricane season and will also be able to assist with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic if required.
The ship left Devonport, England, on April 2. The ship’s commanding officer Captain Terence Barke said: “RFA Argus’ ship’s company, consisting of both Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Navy personnel, will rise to this challenge. We understand that there are people in need in the UK Overseas Territories who require our support.”
Minister of State for Defence, Jeremy Quinn, responsible for the Overseas Territories, said: “The Armed Forces are taking decisive and coordinated action both at home and overseas to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have worked hard to ensure that RFA Argus is ready for the hurricane season in the Caribbean and now also able to support the UK’s Overseas Territories during the pandemic. The deployment of this ship is just one way the UK government is supporting communities at home and overseas as together we face the biggest public health emergency in a generation.”
