The Royal Navy’s HMS Trent set sail from the Virgin Islands this week after playing a vital role in the cleanup efforts following Tropical Storm Ernesto. The warship, which was on a routine visit to the British Overseas Territories, docked at Tortola Pier Park on Thursday, August 15, with 84 personnel on board, ready to assist the storm-battered territory.

HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, wasted no time in offering his crew’s services after meeting with Governor Daniel Pruce and Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley. In coordination with the Virgin Islands’ Public Works Department and local maintenance teams, HMS Trent’s crew, along with an embarked Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando, Royal Engineers, swiftly joined forces to tackle the cleanup.

Among their first tasks, a contingent of Royal Engineers and ship personnel descended on Elmore Stoutt High School, which had been inundated with floodwaters. Using pumps, the team quickly drained the water, while another group of trained Chainsaw Operators addressed the immediate danger posed by unstable trees in the area, clearing them to prevent future hazards as the hurricane season progresses. The crew also cleared a nearby storm drain clogged with foliage, further safeguarding the community against future flooding.

During their stay, HMS Trent’s disaster response capabilities were showcased to local disaster management personnel and key agencies, underscoring the Royal Navy’s preparedness to assist in times of crisis. The visit also provided an opportunity for high-level discussions between the ship’s officers, the Governor, and the Premier regarding ongoing operations in the region. A key highlight was HMS Trent’s recent success in counter-narcotics operations, having intercepted over 6.3 tonnes of narcotics since January—valued at over $640 million on the street.

HMS Trent also extended an invitation to local youth, welcoming members of the British Virgin Islands Cadet Corps, MALE/FEMALE youth groups, and the Taekwondo Academy aboard the ship. The children toured the vessel, met with personnel, and explored the ship’s equipment, including drones and firefighting gear. They were also treated to an exclusive tour of the Bridge and Flight Deck, offering a firsthand look at the ship’s impressive capabilities.

Governor Daniel Pruce expressed his appreciation for HMS Trent’s efforts, stating, “It has been a pleasure to have HMS Trent ashore, and I’m grateful we could all work together to clean up the damage following Ernesto. I was also impressed by the ship’s work to ensure the security of our borders and waters, especially the success it’s had in intercepting traffickers and disrupting the evil drugs trade.”

Commanding Officer Tim Langford echoed these sentiments, noting, “It’s been a genuine pleasure for HMS Trent’s team of sailors, soldiers, and Royal Marines to assist the local population after Tropical Storm Ernesto. While our work ashore focused on providing immediate assistance, our visit has also allowed us to forge vital connections with BVI disaster relief and crisis response teams, refining plans for future support in the event of hurricane damage.”

As HMS Trent departs the Virgin Islands, the collaboration between the Royal Navy and the territory’s local authorities stands as a testament to the enduring partnership and shared commitment to security and resilience in the face of natural disasters.