Today’s defence news includes coverage of HMS Argyll heading to Japan and soldiers awarded medals for their work in South Sudan.
HMS Argyll heading to Japan
The Times reports that on Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to Japan she announced that HMS Argyll will be deployed to take part in Japanese military exercises in December 2018. The piece notes that this joint exercise between UK and Japanese troops will be the first time that non-US troops have trained on Japanese soil. The deployment of HMS Argyll will be part of the wider on-going programme of regional Defence Engagement, demonstrating the growing relationship.
Speaking at the National Security Council, the Prime Minister will said:
I am determined that our defence and security cooperation will continue to go from strength to strength, enhancing our collective response to threats to the international order and to global peace and security, through increased cooperation on defence, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
Read more on this announcement.
HMS Ocean departs Devonport
The Western Daily Press and The Herald covered the story that HMS Ocean has departed her home port of Devonport, bound for the Mediterranean Sea where she will assume the role of Flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
The Commanding Officer of HMS Ocean, Captain Robert Pedre, said:
My Ship’s Company and I very much look forward to assuming the role of a NATO Flagship. HMS OCEAN is an incredibly capable amphibious and command platform and represents a significant UK contribution to NATO’s efforts to maintain security in the Mediterranean region.
Medals for South Sudan
The Press & Journal writes that soldiers of 39 Engineer Regiment have been awarded medals for their work in South Sudan as part of the UK contributions to peacekeeping efforts. The report notes that the regiment have been in the war-torn country since November last year, helping to build a new hospital, install power generators, and lay water pipes to combat the effects of flooding.
Image of the day
Captain Chavasse was awarded a second Victoria Cross posthumously at the Battle of Passchendaele for his actions, refusing to leave his injured men when injured himself, he later succumbed to his wounds.
Photographer:
Sgt Jamie Peters RLC / MoD Crown