Members of 30 Squadron from the Royal Air Force Air Transport Wing have landed in Cayman aboard an A400M Atlas aircraft as part of ongoing defence engagement in the Caribbean by the United Kingdom.
The exercise is aimed at “strengthening regional partnerships and enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience”, according to a Cayman Islands government press release.
The aircraft arrived Wednesday at Owen Roberts International Airport and is scheduled to depart Thursday.
During the visit, Governor Jane Owen and Acting Premier Garry Rutty will meet with Group Captain Andy McIntyre, and the governor is expected to host a reception for the crew and the visiting UK deputy defence attaché.
“The visit provides an opportunity to enhance cooperation in support of emergency preparedness, disaster response and resilience across the Islands.
“Personnel from several Cayman Islands agencies including Hazard Management, Cayman Islands Regiment and RCIPS Air Operations Unit are also being given the opportunity to tour the aircraft and engage directly with RAF personnel, sharing expertise in emergency response, security and humanitarian assistance,” the government said in the release.
Owen described the visit as providing “a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the important relationships between UK defence representatives and Cayman Islands agencies, exchange expertise and reinforce the close cooperation that supports our preparedness and resilience.
“The Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom work closely together during the hurricane season on disaster preparedness and emergency response. This visit highlights the continued importance of those links and the value of strong partnerships between our organisations.”
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