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View of HMS Lancaster from the Harbour Road on 7th August |
On the 7th August, Tristan da Cunha was fortunate to receive HMS Lancaster and RFA Gold Rover. Unfortunately winter had set in that week with a bitterly cold wind, hail and rain. Not the best welcome for either vessel after two weeks at sea. However the heavens eventually cleared and the Commander and select members of the Crew were able to fly over to the island later that day, using the Navy’s new Wildcat helicopter - a very impressive piece of kit.
Before the Navy came ashore, Commander Peter Laughton kindly invited Chief Islander Ian Lavarello, Head of Police Conrad Glass and I across for a logistical meeting to discuss the day’s activities.
HMS Lancaster has been away from the UK for 5 months visiting many countries in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, directly enhancing the UK's working relationship, and once again delivering the soft diplomacy skills which the Royal Navy are rightly famed. |
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Above: HMS Lancaster from the cliff top above Calshot Harbour
Below: Helicopter approaching the Tristan American Fence Helipad (also the school playing field) |
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We were able to appreciate their generosity and professionalism first-hand over the course of Friday as they kindly allowed the Wildcat to be used for several sorties of the island, transferring vital materials for the islanders. The weather was far from clear, and the rain only abated for a few brief minutes, but due to their skills and capability, the flying team carried on throughout the day. As the sun started to set, HMS Lancaster sailed past the settlement demonstrating its speed (and horns!) to full effect - a wonderful sight to see.
On behalf of the whole island I would like to thank the Commander and the crew of HMS Lancaster for visiting Tristan da Cunha. It was wonderful they could step ashore - especially in such adverse weather conditions.
I would also like to thank them for offering to help us during their trip with the numerous Wildcat sorties.
Tristan da Cunha has a close affinity to the military and in particular the Navy, from the founding of the British community nearly 200 years ago, to the present day. While it was a brief visit, it really was appreciated. As a UK Overseas Territory, and the remotest territory, it is immensely reassuring that the Royal Navy do visit us, and I hope we will see them back again in the future.
The whole community would like to send their best wishes to all aboard HMS Lancaster and the Gold Rover, and hope they continue to have a successful onward voyage. |
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Administrator, Chief Islander and Police Officer heading towards helicopter for morning visit to ship
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Islanders bringing materials to the American Fence to be taken to the mountain by helicopter
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Agricultural team and ships' personnel preparing a sling of materials to be taken to Stony Beach |
Hooking up the sling of materials while being watched by school children from the windows of St Mary's School behind. |
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Lift off for Stony Beach trip |
HMS Lancaster Captain Peter Laughton with Administrator Alex Mitham in the Tourism Centre |
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Above:
More views of HMS Lancaster at Tristan
Left:
HMS Lancaster is the first ship in the Royal Navy
to deploy with the new multi-role Wildcat helicopter
which landed on the island's American Fence
helicopter landing area on 7th August.
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More on HMS Lancaster from the Editor
HMS Lancaster (F229) is the 4 th Type 23 frigate in the Duke class. The ship was built on the Clyde, launched in 1990 and joined the naval fleet in 1992. She is popularly known as ‘The Queen’s Frigate’, has a length of 133 metres, a displacement of 4900 tonnes and can reach a speed of 28 knots.
The ship embarked on a 9 month deployment when leaving its home port of Portsmouth on 21st March 2015.
Interviewed before leaving, Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Laughton, said: “In many ways it’s a ground-breaking deployment for the Royal Navy, as we are taking new capabilities and equipment on operations for the first time.
“The ship’s new Wildcat helicopter is state of the art and will become the Royal Navy’s primary maritime aircraft.
”The ship’s company is kitted out in a new uniform designed for additional comfort and to cope better with the temperature extremes of the areas in which we may be tasked to operate”.
The ship will take over from HMS Dragon and expects to cover in excess of 30,000 nautical miles and visit up to eighteen different countries. The deployment, which takes the ship across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, will build on the UK’s strong ties with its allies and continue the UK’s commitment to the region. |
