RFA Argus heads to support the Caribbean
RFA Argus has set sail for the Caribbean in preparation to support the British Overseas Territories during the upcoming hurricane season and will be able to support the response to the Coronavirus outbreak if required
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship RFA Argus has deployed to the Caribbean to support during the upcoming hurricane season and with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic if required.
The support ship left Devonport, in Devon on 2 April to cross the Atlantic, with sailors and Royal Marines standing ready to assist the United Kingdom in its efforts to defeat the pandemic at home and overseas.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy military operations. They are the uniformed civilian branch of the Naval Service, staffed by UK merchant sailors.
The Armed Forces are taking decisive and coordinated action both at home and overseas to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have worked hard to ensure that RFA Argus is ready for the hurricane season in the Caribbean and now also able to support the UK’s Overseas Territories during the pandemic.
Deploying onboard RFA Argus are Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors. In addition, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and 3 Merlin Mk 4 Helicopters and from 845 Naval Air Squadron, with pilots, aircrew and engineering support personnel are also embarked.
They will be assisted by more than 50 personnel from 1700 Naval Air Squadron from RNAS Culdrose who will provide aviation, medical, and engineering support to the whole ship.
The deployment of this ship is just one way the UK Government is supporting communities at home and overseas.
RFA Argus has deployed carrying aid from the Department for International Development to provide water and ration packs where needed. She is also equipped with materials to repair damage and clear blocked roads in support of local emergency services.
