Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) WAVE RULER is scheduled to make a Regional Engagement Visit to Grand Turk, from the 16th to 20th June 2011. This will be the third time the ship has visited the Turks and Caicos Islands, for regional engagement with the first visit in July 2008 to Providenciales.
RFA WAVE RULER has previously been stationed in the Far East, Persian Gulf and in the South Atlantic, supporting the Falkland Islands, as well as working in territorial waters around the UK.
A significant part of the Royal Navy’s presence is, patrolling the North Atlantic and Caribbean. RFA WAVE RULER’s primary role is to provide support to the UK Overseas territories and strengthen the UK Government’s commitment in the region. This role includes providing regional support in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes.
A prime example is in September 2008 when RFA WAVE RULER assisted Grand Turk when hurricane Ike caused major damage through the island. Teams were deployed on various tasks, which included restoring power to the islands reverse osmosis plant; providing temporary roofing and restoring power to the health clinic as well as distributing bottled water and food.
With an extensive range of disaster relief stores, WAVE RULER is capable of providing food, water and shelter where required. Additionally the ship and her crew can provide medical and humanitarian aid, search and request facilities utilising the Lynx helicopter onboard, together with technical assistance utilising their training, skills, knowledge and experience.
Whilst at sea working in support of local defense and police forces, from a host of Caribbean nations together with the United States Coast Guard, RFA WAVE RULER conducts maritime patrols.
During the visit to Grand Turk WAVE RULER will be conducting Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief visits to enhance awareness of facilities available on Grand Turk, which will assist RFA WAVE RULER in preparing to provide future humanitarian aid assistance should the island require it.
The Captain said: “We are delighted to be in Grand Turk. WAVE RULER is in the Region to support UK Overseas Territories, provide regional support in the event of natural disasters and contribute to law enforcement. The Ship’s Company is looking forward to the visit and the opportunity to experience Grand Turk”.
