The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly has announced the upcoming visit of Luke Pollard MP, the UK Minister for the Armed Forces, highlighting the UK’s ongoing support for the Falklands’ security and self-determination. Pollard’s visit, which includes attending the Remembrance Sunday service, is expected to reinforce the enduring relationship between the Falkland Islands and the UK.
During a five-day visit, the UK Ministry of Defense Director Overseas Bases, Dr Sam Griffiths, toured the force elements deployed in the BFSAI (British Forces South Atlantic Islands) area of operations and gained an insight to the joint force operation at the Mount Pleasant Complex, MPC.
Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands has provided information on how the British Forces South Atlantic Islands, BFSAI, are kept alert and ready for the defense of the Islands with regular shipments from the UK.
Each year there are about 5-7 aero-medical transfers of military and civilian patients from the Falkland Islands to South America onboard fixed wing military airframes stationed at BFSAI.
Argos Froyanes, the company that owned the Argos Georgia released a statement in which it underlines that ”the tragic events of Monday the 22nd of July leading to the loss of thirteen of our Officers and Crew have been well documented and communicated by the Falkland Island Government.
A major rescue operation is underway to the east of the Falkland Islands to help a fishing vessel in distress. On Monday afternoon the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority received information that the fishing vessel Argos Georgia, with 27 persons onboard, was taking on water and requesting assistance some 200 miles east of Stanley.
This week the latest Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC), The Inkerman Company, left the Mount Pleasant Complex, MPC, headquarters of the British Forces South Atlantic Islands, BFSAI. They ended their deployment with a fairly spectacular live fire capability demonstration centered around a light role infantry platoon doing a conventional advance to contact in front of almost 40 guests from all corners of BFSAI.
Following Argentina's purchase of US-made F-16 jets from Denmark, concerns were raised in Parliament to a Secretary of Defense regarding the UK's defense readiness in the South Atlantic, more precisely the Falkland Islands.
The United Kingdom Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) recently visited the Falkland Islands and British Forces South Atlantic Islands, BFSAI at Mount Pleasant Complex. The aim of the AFPS is to allow Members from both Houses of Parliament the opportunity to visit various military locations, and provides education about service life including some 'hands on' time with service persons.
Following approval from ExCo on Tuesday 23 January, the Falkland Islands Government in joint working with British Forces South Atlantic will be able to proceed with “in principle approval” for Phase Two of the Mare Harbour Wind Farm.