Collin
December 28th, 2005, 20:39
HMS Richmond Honoured
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Source: MoD News Site
http://www.modoracle.com/news/Files/file9886.jpghttp://www.modoracle.com/images/shim.gifVital community relief work in the wake of a devastating hurricane in the Caribbean has won a Portsmouth-based warship a prestigious award for military service.
The Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has been honoured with the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for her vital work after Hurricane Ivan which swept across Grenada and the Cayman Islands in September 2004, killing 37 people and flattening thousands of homes.
Richmond's ship's company restored power to Grenada's hospital, which had also lost its roof, and her first-aiders treated more than 200 casualties and helped save the life of one patient with a chest wound.
The ship's relief operation also focused on restoring water and electricity supplies to isolated villages and clearing Grenada's airport runway, allowing emergency relief flights to land.
The Sword of Peace was presented by Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, to Commander Mike McCartain, the ship's Commanding Officer at the time, at a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base. Cdr McCartain said:
"This is a proud moment for HMS Richmond after what was a challenging deployment in which the presence of the Royal Navy as a force for good in the region has again been underlined.
"In the year since the events surrounding the devastation of Caribbean islands by Hurricane Ivan, the Royal Navy has time and again been able to respond to natural disasters and human tragedies around the world in the form of a blue light organisation. HMS Richmond's ship's company will always therefore look back with immense pride in the part they played in this, and their ability to make a real difference to the islands of Grenada and Grand Cayman, helping to save lives and start the process of rebuilding shattered communities."
The Sword of Peace is awarded annually to the unit in each of the Armed Services judged to have made the most valuable contribution towards establishing good and friendly relations with any community at home or abroad.
The original sword it is modelled on dates from the turn of the 19th century, and was originally presented to Lt Samuel Snook for his efforts in returning refugees in India to their homeland. It came up for sale in 1965 and was purchased by Wilkinson Sword, who then presented it to the National Army Museum for posterity. It was formally accepted by Field Marshal The Viscount Slim, who made the point that Snook's unselfish behaviour was typical of the way British Forces had always helped the civilian communities in the areas in which they served.
Well done Richmond:ernae:
regards Collin
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Source: MoD News Site
http://www.modoracle.com/news/Files/file9886.jpghttp://www.modoracle.com/images/shim.gifVital community relief work in the wake of a devastating hurricane in the Caribbean has won a Portsmouth-based warship a prestigious award for military service.
The Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has been honoured with the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for her vital work after Hurricane Ivan which swept across Grenada and the Cayman Islands in September 2004, killing 37 people and flattening thousands of homes.
Richmond's ship's company restored power to Grenada's hospital, which had also lost its roof, and her first-aiders treated more than 200 casualties and helped save the life of one patient with a chest wound.
The ship's relief operation also focused on restoring water and electricity supplies to isolated villages and clearing Grenada's airport runway, allowing emergency relief flights to land.
The Sword of Peace was presented by Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, to Commander Mike McCartain, the ship's Commanding Officer at the time, at a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base. Cdr McCartain said:
"This is a proud moment for HMS Richmond after what was a challenging deployment in which the presence of the Royal Navy as a force for good in the region has again been underlined.
"In the year since the events surrounding the devastation of Caribbean islands by Hurricane Ivan, the Royal Navy has time and again been able to respond to natural disasters and human tragedies around the world in the form of a blue light organisation. HMS Richmond's ship's company will always therefore look back with immense pride in the part they played in this, and their ability to make a real difference to the islands of Grenada and Grand Cayman, helping to save lives and start the process of rebuilding shattered communities."
The Sword of Peace is awarded annually to the unit in each of the Armed Services judged to have made the most valuable contribution towards establishing good and friendly relations with any community at home or abroad.
The original sword it is modelled on dates from the turn of the 19th century, and was originally presented to Lt Samuel Snook for his efforts in returning refugees in India to their homeland. It came up for sale in 1965 and was purchased by Wilkinson Sword, who then presented it to the National Army Museum for posterity. It was formally accepted by Field Marshal The Viscount Slim, who made the point that Snook's unselfish behaviour was typical of the way British Forces had always helped the civilian communities in the areas in which they served.
Well done Richmond:ernae:
regards Collin