Members of the visiting Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship WAVE RULER on Friday, October 14, exhibited a number of emergency procedures conducted by crew members for a small number of persons at the Little Bay Recreational Grounds (cricket grounds).
The Royal Naval party brought their equipment ashore and set up a casualty reception centre. Members of the islands medical staff, Red Cross volunteers and students participated in the exercises. The Royal Naval party simulated fractures, burns, sprain and spinal injuries. They also introduced fire fighting equipment and demonstrated their use.
This visit was the second in this year. According to a Governor’s office release, the purpose of this visit was to provide reassurance to the island, through discussions and exercises.
The release said: “A significant part of the Royal Navy’s presence is, patrolling the North Atlantic and Caribbean. RFA WAVE RULER’s primary role is to provide support to the UK Overseas territories and strengthen the UK Government’s commitment in the region. This role includes providing regional support in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes. With an extensive range of disaster relief store’s WAVE RULER is capable of providing food, water and shelter where required.”
Additionally the ship and the crew can provide medical and humanitarian aid, together with technical assistance utilising their training, skills, knowledge and experience. This was demonstrated in July when we assisted Turks and Caicos after Hurricane Irene.
Working in support of local defence and police forces, from a host of Caribbean nations, together with United States Coast Guard, RFA WAVE RULER has conducted maritime patrols, particularly aimed at countering drug trafficking in the Caribbean region.
“RFA WAVE RULER and her Commanding Officer hosted a Lunch on the 14th October 2011. The ships company also participated in Disaster Relief Training exercises, medical training, and a ships tour was held for local school children, together with sporting activities.
The Captain was quoted as saying “We are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to visit Montserrat again after our visit in July. We hope to renew acquaintances and continue our engagement with Disaster Management Teams. This reaffirms our commitment to the UK Overseas Territories and demonstrates the support we can offer in the event of natural disasters”.
During the ship’s first visit, the media had been invited to the ship and given a tour and explanations about the ship’s functions and its role in the region. During that visit, also among other visitors was at least one youngster who expressed a desire to join the British navy. We learned then that this was quite possible and the advice was, “Persons interested in careers in the RFA can visit: www.rfa.mod.uk or Email: cnr-rfarecruit@a.dii.mod.uk call: 08456 04 05 20.”
