HMS Medway has recently visited Providenciales and Grand Turk, reaffirming the UK’s dedication to the security, stability, and prosperity of its Overseas Territories and regional allies.
The visit showcased HMS Medway’s dual role as a disaster response asset and a counter-narcotics enforcer. During its stay, the ship conducted a disaster response exercise alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, highlighting the UK’s readiness to assist during the Atlantic hurricane season.
HMS Medway opened its decks to residents, including schoolchildren, local dignitaries, and the Islands’ Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. Visitors explored the ship’s capabilities, including its humanitarian equipment such as disaster relief supplies, medical gear, and tools for clearing storm debris.
The visit was an opportunity to deepen ties with the Turks and Caicos Islands Defence Regiment, enhancing collaborative disaster preparedness and crisis response planning. Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam remarked, “HMS Medway’s presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands exemplifies the UK’s unwavering commitment to its Overseas Territories and regional allies. From providing rapid disaster response to supporting security operations, HMS Medway represents the UK’s readiness to assist and support Caribbean communities.”
Beyond disaster response, HMS Medway plays a role in regional security. The ship actively supports counter-narcotics operations, often partnering with US authorities to disrupt drug trafficking routes.
Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, praised the ship’s crew, saying, “From tackling narcotics trafficking to supporting relief efforts during hurricane season, the crew of HMS Medway are providing a valuable and reassuring presence for British citizens in the Overseas Territories.”
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Just as well we built the batch 2 rivers they are being hard used now…making up for the lack of available frigates. All good until some fighting is actually required.
echo or enterprise could have done the job as well as a river.
Forward deploying the B2 in the Caribbean, west Africa, Gibraltar, Falklands and pacific has been a rare success of the past decade. Total waste of money sending frigate and destroyers to these places and not to mention the total waste of the previous rotation system.
I very much hope we can find the money to continue these deployments even after T31 is completed as we need our frigates close to home.
I agree.
Surely in the future we’d replace the Batch 1s with 5no. Batch 3s built at Rosyth if need be so that the Batch 2 31s can be pushed 3 years to the right. A good win win.
I wonder if it is worth installing a flight deck on batch 1 like what they did on HMS Clyde. It would increase its helicopter and drone ability, gunning positions, and under flight deck storage.