UK Warship Visits Caribbean to Aid Defense/Security
 

Royal Navy Warship HMS Argyll Visits Dominican Republic


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HMS Argyll

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Santo Domingo.- Royal Navy Warship HMS Argyll will conduct a Defense engagement visit to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in October 2014.


The most capable Type 23 frigate will visit Santo Domingo to enhance the UK’s relationship with the Dominican Republic particularly in the areas of Defense and Security.

HMS Argyll’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Hammond, said: “I am delighted to bring HMS Argyll to Dominican Republic in order to continue to build on the strong relationship between our two countries.” He added “The UK is working closely with the Dominican Republic to counter illicit drug trafficking and to combat this damaging trade HMS Argyll will continue to conduct counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean during our deployment.”

HMS Argyll is fitted with the new ARTISAN radar and represents the versatility and capability of a modern warship. She has recently successfully conducted Counter Narcotics Operations throughout the Caribbean. Some of the places recently visited include Mexico, Belize and the Cayman Islands.

HMS Argyll has deployed to the Caribbean region to provide reassurance and, if required, humanitarian aid and disaster relief support to the UK’s British Overseas Territories and other islands during the hurricane season. HMS Argyll will also conduct counter narcotics patrols to enhance regional security and deter illicit activity.

On Sunday 12 October HMS Argyll opened to the public between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It will dock at Don Diego Port in Santo Domingo. In addition to the working agenda, Dominicans will be able to enjoy other activities.
There will be various sporting events with some of the frigate’s teams. On Saturday 11 October at 6:00 p.m. there was a Rugby match with the Dominican Red Dragons Rugby Club at the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte. A Football match with Bauger FC at UNPHU, 4:30 p.m.

Some of the crew members will undertake volunteer work in San Pedro de Macorís with the British NGO Save the Children. On Sunday they will play Basketball against the National Police in the Club Mauricio Baez at 3:00 p.m.

Recently the Dominican Navy celebrated its 139th anniversary. A curious historical fact is that the former Naval Academy in Sans Souci was headed by the British Frigate Captain Sir John Agnew in the post war period. Sources indicated he was tasked with restructuring the education program.

The UK always stands ready to assist and the recent appointment of a Liaison Officer from the National Crime Agency could facilitate this. It is worth noting the UK was the first country to officially recognize the Dominican Republic’s Independence.

More information at http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Flee...tes/HMS-Argyll