MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands next stop for HMS York after relief work in Libya

The Type 42 destroyer delivered medical aid to Benghazi

HMS York is back in the Atlantic heading for the Falkland Islands after her headline-making trip to Libya.
The Type 42 destroyer was en-route to take up a five-month patrol in the south Atlantic when she was diverted to join the international relief effort and help foreign citizens and Britons leave the country.

After she was relieved by another Royal Navy ship, she returned to Gibraltar and has since left the Mediterranean heading south.

HMS York’s Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Staley Royal Navy commenting on the Libya experience said it was a real privilege to be able to deliver the first consignment of medical aid from the people of Sweden to the people of Benghazi “a port and city under immense pressure”.

“The individuals who met us on the jetty were delighted to receive such essential equipment and were euphoric that the UK was displaying its clear intention to help in these difficult times for the people of Libya”.

Equally gratifying was being able to assist the FCO team in recovering 43 EP (Entitled Persons). “Some of these people, from the old to the very young, have been through some horrific experiences and have traveled some extreme distances to board HMS York to get away from Libya”, added Commander Staley.

Finally he stated to be immensely proud of HMS York’s Company and supporting Royal Marines “who have risen to this undoubted extreme challenge with the usual professionalism, pride and compassion that is synonymous with both my Ship’s name and the Royal Navy. I have asked much of them and, to a man and woman, they have delivered under terrific pressure and demonstrated the versatility and relevance of the RN today”.