Thursday, 7 June – The HMS Ocean arrived in the BVI today for a three-day visit that coincides with the Queen’s Birthday Parade on Saturday.

• The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force vessel St. Ursula is tied alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Ocean, which began a three-day visit to the BVI on Thursday, June 7. The visit coincides with Saturday’s Queen’s Birthday Parade. (Photo by GIS/Aldrin Rabsatt)

The ship’s commanding officer, Captain Russ Harding, paid courtesy calls on the Chief Minister, Commissioner of Police and Governor this morning before hosting an official lunch on board the ship at mid-day. There was a press conference for the local media, and dozens of the ship’s company were ferried to Tortola to enjoy rest and relaxation ashore.

Commander Matt Clark said that the visit is part of the Navy’s mission to provide visible support to the UK overseas territories. “We will have some sports fixtures, take part in community projects, and the main highlight will be the Queen’s birthday on Saturday,” he said.

He added that the ship is prepared to respond to any natural disasters that may take place during her deployment in the Caribbean. “Disaster relief is one of the core capabilities of the peacetime Navy. This ship in particular, because of its size, its helicopters and its landing craft, would be particularly helpful in the event of a hurricane-related disaster,” Commander Clark said.

Due to her size, the Ocean, which is carrying a complement of some 360 sailors, officers and marines, is anchored off Salt Island. The ship is 682 feet long, with a draught of 22 feet.

The Ocean is scheduled to depart the BVI on Sunday morning; her next scheduled visit is to Trinidad.