HMS Trent, a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel, has arrived in Anguilla as part of the United Kingdom’s routine regional presence during Atlantic hurricane season.
The ships company will work alongside the Department of Disaster Management, the Royal Anguilla Police Force and other local agencies on 5 and 6 November.
The visit is focused on supporting contingency planning and strengthening preparedness for any assistance that may be required during an emergency.
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It includes joint training, briefings and exercises between HMS Trent and local agencies as part of Operation VENTUS.
These exercises will showcase local capabilities and highlight the partnership between the organisations as they work together to strengthen resilience and emergency response across Anguilla.
The wider programme also includes a meeting between Governor Julia Crouch and the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Gavin Lowe.
In a press release, Governor Julia Crouch said she is delighted to welcome HMS Trent to Anguilla.
“This visit demonstrates the strength of our partnership with the Royal Navy and will help further enhance Anguilla’s preparedness and resilience through joint training, exercises and engagement with local agencies,” she said.
“I am also grateful to the Crisis Response Team who arrived in Anguilla last week and have spent the week working with stakeholders across government and the wider community to support preparedness efforts.”
HMS Trent personnel from 24 Commando Royal Engineers, 47 Commando Royal Marines and 700X Naval Air Squadron have been delivering the training in Anguilla.
The visiting teams are sharing specialist techniques and drawing on Anguillian responders’ knowledge of the island as they explore how UK personnel could support a locally led response if called upon.
Lowe said he was pleased to return to Anguilla and build on last year’s work to strengthen regional cooperation on disaster preparedness, training and security.
“The ability to understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each island is key to being ready to support the overseas territories and work more closely with our partner agencies should we be called upon to help,” he said.
