BAE Systems completes vital Trans-Atlantic repair work on HMS Medway
BAE Systems have completed repair work on Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Medway to allow her to continue her role in disrupting the smuggling of drugs.
However, under the logistic support contract which guarantees to carryout repairs and maintenance across the globe, the work was undertaken by BAE engineers in Jacksonville Florida rather than in Portsmouth.
The agreement allows repairs to be carried out ‘wherever in the world the Navy are operationally required, minimising waited transit time and ensuring rapid defect rectification’.
The maintenance received by HMS Medway ensured she continued to be fit to operate in the demanding conditions of the Caribbean Sea as part of her role in disrupting the flow of smuggled narcotics and supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
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Work was carried out during December and January despite the logistical challenges created by the escalating Covid pandemic and the restrictions on international movement of both parts and labour.
Darren Coukham, BAE Systems ship manager for HMS Medway said: ‘I am hugely proud of our teams for completing this work on time.
‘I believe our customers recognise that BAE Systems will go above and beyond, when required, to meet their needs, and has the expertise to re-plan such projects quickly and effectively.’
While the majority of the maintenance was completed before Christmas last year, the ship spent the festive period in the naval base allowing some of the ship’s 40-strong company to be released and return to the UK to spend time with families and loved ones.