Royal Navy Merlin and Wildcat helicopters have completed reconnaissance sorties over Bermuda.
The Royal Navy say that three Commando Merlin helicopters of 845 Naval Air Squadron and a Wildcat of 815 Naval Air Squadron joined Argus as she patrols the region in readiness to support British Overseas Territories during the hurricane season.
“Working with Bermudan authorities, the Commando Helicopter Force Merlins and 815’s Wildcat gathered crucial information on landing sites where humanitarian aid could be brought ashore if called for by the island’s governor in a time of need.
As well as search and rescue training, the navy fliers and Argus took part in joint exercises with the newly-formed Bermudan coastguard, which was launched in February to provide security and safety in the seas around the islands which have a population of more than 62,000. This included the 203 Flight Wildcat helping the Bermudans track noncompliant vessels from the air.”
Argus will shortly join HMS Medway, who has been in the Caribbean for three months already after being forward-deployed to Atlantic Patrol Tasking (North), a mission which focuses on providing reassurance to Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories, disrupting the flow of smuggled narcotics and supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
Sorry to be pedantic, but isn’t Bermuda about 1000 miles from the Caribbean?
Be honest, jolly or at best training opportunity. I would be very interested to learn how many senior officers fly out to “supervise”.
No senior officers fly out for a jolly, the article explains why we have vessels and helicopters in the area, and we have been doing this deployment for years.
Hurricane season, certainly no jolly.
Really hope hurricane seasons kind this year, I can’t see the normal levels of support from the US. The navy supply structure is going to get busier now they’ve held some fleets at sea, with Mercy and Comfort being deployed at home for the forseable future, the Caribbean won’t get huge medical support that comes with those.
Thankful we’ve sent Argus this time.