ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, October 20th, 2011 -- RFA WAVE RULER is scheduled to make a Regional Engagement Visit to the British Virgin Islands, from the 21st to 24th October 2011. This will be the second time the ship has visited the Territory this year, having previously visited in June.

Since June, RFA WAVE RULER has conducted Regional Engagement Visits throughout the Caribbean, including playing an active role in the St Kitts Independence Day celebrations in September. In August, RFA WAVE RULER was tasked to proceed to the Turks and Caicos Islands to give disaster relief assistance to the inhabitants of Grand Turk in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The ship has also carries out maritime security patrols.

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 by providing support in the event of natural disasters.

With an extensive range of disaster relief stores, RFA WAVE RULER is capable of providing food, water and shelter where required. By utilising the onboard Lynx helicopter, the ship and her crew can provide medical and humanitarian aid, as well as search and rescue facilities.

Whilst at sea, RFA WAVE RULER conducts maritime patrols supporting the work of local defence and police forces across the Caribbean, along with the United States Coast Guard.

During RFA Wave Ruler’s visit to the Territory, His Excellency the Governor will host a lunch on 24th October 2011 and the ship’s company will also participate in disaster relief training exercises with Virgin Islands Search & Rescue.

The Captain was quoted as saying “We are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to visit the British Virgin Islands again after our visit in June. 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.”

DETAILS OF APT(N) TASKING AND CAPABILITY FOR 2011 HURRICANE SEASON PRESS STATEMENT
The primary purpose of the Royal Navy in the Caribbean is to deliver security and reassurance to the UK Overseas Territories, specifically in disaster relief operations. For example, it provided support to the Turks and Caicos Islands after Hurricane Irene. In addition, the Royal Navy has been able to offer support to other Caribbean countries in the event of disasters.

The Royal Navy will continue to provide a permanent presence in the Caribbean, able to respond to the full range of foreseeable contingencies. In the event of a humanitarian disaster, it will deliver initial military assistance.

During 2011 this will be provided by a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, enhanced with a naval party and helicopter during the hurricane season (1 June – 30 November). This will provide a broadly comparable capability to previous years, albeit with one ship rather than two.

When Royal Naval vessels are not engaged in disaster support activity, spare capacity is used to assist in law enforcement in the Caribbean. This work has been highly successful.

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