Lancaster so ‘honoured’ to serve and protect Bermuda

It may have just been a short visit, but the crew of HMS Lancaster launched themselves into a string of community events during their four-day stay in Bermuda.

The ship’s company spent time with the Boat Troop of the Bermuda Regiment sharing knowledge and experience. They established links with the Bermuda Police Service and Fire Service that will come to the fore later in the hurricane season if the ship returns to the island to provide disaster relief.

And they also took to the sports field for a cricket, rugby and football match against local opposition.

Commander Steve Moorhouse said: “It was a great honour to visit Bermuda as the first stop of Lancaster’s deployment and continue the long relationship the Royal Navy has had with the island.

“We were made to feel very welcome by the Governor and all the people of Bermuda and I am delighted we had the opportunity to work with the Bermuda Regiment as well as the emergency services.”

The Type 23 frigate arrived in Bermuda last Friday from her homeport in Portsmouth, England after a major refit.

During her visit to Bermuda Lancaster’s crew also attended a reception at Government House as well as the change of command parade at Warwick Camp on Saturday.

She left the island yesterday for a six-month deployment in the US and the Caribbean, which will see her join forces with the US Coastguard on counter-narcotics operations.

She will also visit several of the Overseas Territories and provide disaster relief during the hurricane season.

Commander Moorhouse added: “The aim of the visit was to provide reassurance and security to Bermuda at the start of the core hurricane season.

“Contingency plans have been discussed with the local services and authorities, meaning that if Lancaster has to return to Bermuda to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief she can respond quickly and effectively.”