Today’s defence-related coverage includes continued coverage of HMS Ocean's arrival in the Caribbean and the preparation for tonight's opening ceremony of Invictus Games.
HMS Ocean arrives in the caribbean as the UK military relief effort continues.
As part of Operation Ruman, the UK continues to deliver military support to the Caribbean Islands left devastated by Hurricane Irma and Maria. HMS Ocean arrived in the Caribbean yesterday, bringing with her 650 personnel and 60 tonnes of aid, bringing the total military presence to over 2,000 troops in the region, the largest deployment of UK personnel anywhere in the world. They are delivering expert disaster relief in the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Widespread media coverage of HMS Ocean’s arrival in print, online and broadcast media including an interview with Captain Robert Pedre, Commanding Officer of HMS Ocean on BBC Breakfast this morning, where he described how HMS Ocean and her crew, which includes a team of 60 highly skilled engineers, were ideally placed to offer expert assistance in repairing critical national infrastructure. Other media outlets such as The Times, Daily Star and Daily Telegraph focused on the search and rescue mission, commending the efforts of the Royal Navy personnel who saved three lives.
Outlets including the Mail Online, Sky News, and The Plymouth Herald, all report on HMS Ocean’s arrival and delivery of 60 tonnes of UK aid to the region, highlighting the number of UK personnel in the region is now over 2,000, and featuring quotes from the Defence Secretary.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
The sight of HMS Ocean dropping anchor in the British Overseas Territories will be welcome respite to those who have seen their islands battered by repeated hurricanes. Ocean will help support the longer-term reconstruction of the Caribbean islands which have been devastated by this unprecedented hurricane season.
The fact that this is our largest operation worldwide underlines the scale of the damage caused and the Government’s commitment to UK citizens spread across the region and in need of our support.
Invictus Games opening ceremony
The 90-strong UK Team are competing in the third Invictus Games, the only international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans. BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 will be covering the games, with tonight's opening ceremony for the Games is tonight, with the closing ceremony the following Saturday.
Widespread coverage of the Games running on BBC, various print coverage including The Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Mail. The articles describe the premise of the Games and Prince Harry’s role as their founder. Much of the reporting as focused on the positive impact the Games have had on the lives of athletes who compete, with the BBC News report including interviews from those taking part who bore witness to the inspiring nature of the Games and the power of sport to aid recovery.
