Naval Visit to the Territory Delayed
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| Members of a mobile command team from the HMS Iron Duke raise the White Ensign over their command headquarters on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, on Grand Turk island. The Turks and Caicos Islands suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Ike over the weekend. A planned visit to the Virgin Islands from September 11-14 has been delayed as a result of the hurricane operation. (Photo courtesy the Royal Navy |
Roadtown, Tortola- The HMS Iron Duke has delayed a scheduled visit to the Virgin Islands.The Royal Navy warship, which was scheduled to arrive here on Thursday, September 11, has been diverted to the Turks and Caicos Islands where it is providing support following the recent impact of Hurricane Ike.
According to the ship’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dean Bassett, the Iron Duke on Tuesday landed a mobile command team ashore on the island of Grand Turk, which was hardest hit by the recent hurricane.
“We are here to assist in roles as set out by the local government, however our main aim is to save lives and get these islands back on their feet—one such task we are undertaking is rebuilding the roof on the local hospital to make it habitable again,” he said.
It is unknown when the HMS Iron Duke will now arrive in the Virgin Islands; a further announcement will be made when the new date is available. ~~Adz:Right~~
HMS Iron Duke has been deployed to the Caribbean region since late June and has been involved in counter drug work with the United States Coastguard alongside providing re-assurance to the United Kingdom Overseas Territories like the Virgin Islands (UK).
British Virgin Islands News