Praise for RFA Mounts Bay's hurricane relief work

RFA Mounts Bay has been praised for her humanitarian work by the head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Commodore Duncan Lamb visited the ship in Barbados following her efforts in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

The amphibious support ship delivered 3,000 ration packs, nearly 100 tonnes of water, more than 900 emergency shelter kits and 1,000 hygiene kits to people of the Bahamas.

Everyone involved in the demanding operation was thanked by Cdre Lamb, from the engineers to the Wildcat crew.

He said: "As head of service, I am very proud of the contribution you made to saving life and bringing hope and reassurance in the wake of a life-changing event for the people of the Abaco Islands.

"You exemplified the strength of a whole force approach with the RFA, Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines and US Coastguard delivering specialist skills.

"While those ashore found themselves in the glare of international media, mission success was achieved through the commitment of the on board engineers, catering staff, communicators and Ops team, who kept ship, helicopter, boats and people fighting fit."

During his visit, Cdre Lamb passed on messages of thanks from First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin and defence minister Ben Wallace.

Hurricane Dorian was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the Caribbean, with sustained wind speeds of 185mph.

RFA Mounts Bay was the first ship on the scene after the hurricane hit; providing much needed assistance and support to the people of the Great Abaco Islands.

The ship's company sent aid to nine communities on seven islands over an intense 10-day period of relief operations. Meanwhile, the Wildcat crew conducted reconnaissance flights and helped evacuate casualties.