Wildcat Embarked in RFA Mounts Bay to Provide Disaster Relief

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, RFA Mounts Bay has been tasked to provide urgent humanitarian and disaster relief to the UK Overseas Territory of Anguilla.

RFA Mounts Bay is a 16,000 ton Landing Ship Dock Auxiliary, which can provide a high level of capability and flexibility during disaster response operations. Whilst deployed on Atlantic Patrol Task North, it is a core task, if or when required, for the ship to provide humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) to UK Overseas Territories and Commonwealth nations, RFA Mounts Bay crew is able to provide emergency supplies and personnel by sea and helicopter.

The RFA HADR team on board includes a combination of over 50 additional Royal Marines and Army engineering/logistical personnel with access to earth-moving and water transporting equipment and a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter. The RFA crew also has the capacity to assist in the repair of infrastructure, and the provision of clean water, medical support, temporary shelter and sanitation facilities.

RFA Head of Service Commodore Duncan Lamb commented:

“My thoughts are with the people of Anguilla and neighbouring Caribbean islands affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. RFA Mounts Bay stands ready to provide humanitarian aid and support where and when directed.”

RFA Mounts Bay is deployed to the region in order to provide security and assurance to UK Overseas Territories there. Whilst deployed, RFA Mounts Bay also participates in regional security and anti-smuggling operations.