Warm Welcome for HMS Argyll in Mexico

A full military band and local dancers came out to meet HMS Argyll as she visited Veracruz in Mexico. She hosted a capability demonstration for dignitaries including the state’s Governor, Javier Duarte, and the Regional Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Caballero Rosas. It was an opportunity to focus on the defence and security links between Mexico and the UK. 

HMS Argyll’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Hammond, said: “It has been a delight to bring HMS Argyll to Veracruz and to be a part of the UK’s strong relationship with Mexico. Argyll has some of the most modern war fighting technology in the world and it has been a pleasure to show my colleagues in the Mexican Navy what we are capable of and to work with them at sea.” 

The Plymouth based Type 23 frigate also hosted a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief seminar and a discussion on her recent drug busting operations. In an act of remembrance crew members and the Captain attended a ceremony to mark one hundred years since the loss of military personnel in battle for both nations.

Mexican Navy Captain, Nahum Jose Miguel, said: “We were honoured to have been invited onboard Argyll to gain a better understanding of how the British conduct their operations at sea. I hope that the ship’s company were also able to take something away from our way of doing things.”

On departing Veracruz, Argyll worked with Mexican Navy ship, Baja California, on a series of manoeuvres and helicopter transfers. These included a personnel exchange, allowing members of HMS Argyll to see life onboard a Mexican vessel and Mexican Navy personnel to visit HMS Argyll. During the visit to Mexico the ship’s company also took part in football, rugby and basketball matches against the Mexicans.