ROYAL NAVY HMS PORTLAND VISITS WALVIS BAY From Saturday, 29 March to Tuesday 02 April, the Royal Navy ship HMS PORTLAND visited Walvis Bay in order to reinforce the UK commitment to Namibia and provide training to Namibian Navy personnel. Throughout the visit the UK Navy provided training to the Namibian Navy in fire fighting and damage control, first aid, techniques for boarding and searching ships and infantry cover and manoeuvre techniques. At the evening reception held on board of the HMS Portland, H.E. Mrs Marianne Young, British High Commissioner remarked: “We are fortunate to enjoy close bilateral relations between the UK and Namibia. This visit and event exemplifies that, and enables us to build closer cooperation and understanding between out great countries. The UK and Namibia have much in common, including shared democratic values, vibrant trade, cultural and educational links, and bonds of friendship and Commonwealth fraternity. This week’s ship’s visit signifies another chapter in our strong record of partnership to achieve a common goal of improved security in this region and throughout the world. On a local level, the British Government also continues to provide capacity building support to the Namibian Police and Defence Forces and maintains active and close relations with all arms of the Namibian security sector.“ On the occasion of the visit of the Royal Navy HMS Portland, the crew of the British ship and the British High Commission gave a helping hand to the Walvis Bay Kids Haven Children’s Home, a safe haven and home for 30 abused and vulnerable children (see News release 09/2014). During the visit the Ship a team of the Royal Navy ship played a friendly match against the Namibian Navy Netball team. On the occasion of the ship’s visit, the British High Commission to Namibia launched the 2nd revised edition of the “Doing Business in Namibia Guide”, written by Robin Sherbourne. The first edition proved to be an extremely popular commercial and reference aid for British businesses in Namibia (see News Release 07/2014) See attached the speech delivered by HE Mrs Marianne Young, British High Commissioner to Namibia on the occasion of the ship’s visit. Furthermore some images of the evening reception. HMS PORTLAND is one of thirteen Type 23, Duke Class frigates serving in the Royal Navy. The Type 23 frigate is the mainstay of the surface fleet in the modern Royal Navy. Originally, the frigate was a fast, manoeuvrable craft, required to scout ahead of the main fleet. It was, invariably, lightly armed. Today’s modern frigate is capable of this and much more. Importantly, the Type 23 is, in comparison with similar sized ships serving in other navies, heavily armed. HMS Portland left Devonport on 13 January 2014 for a routine 7 month Atlantic Patrol Tasking. Maintaining the continuous Royal Naval presence in the Atlantic, the Type 23 Frigate will provide reassurance to British interests within the region.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:03:44 +0000