International visitors boost Portsmouth Global footprint

HM Naval Base Portsmouth has hosted two high profile international visitors this week as part of defence engagement and partnerships.

The Head of the Ukrainian Navy Vice Admiral Ihor Voronchenko and the Chief of the Naval Staff for the Brazilian Navy Admiral Ilques Barbosa Júnior both visited the Royal Navy to discuss future cooperation, new technology and support to operations.

VAdm Voronchenko met with the Second Sea Lord VAdm Tony Radakin at Navy Command headquarters on Tuesday where he received the salute from a full Ceremonial Guard followed by an inspection.

He also met with Naval Base Commander (Portsmouth) Commodore Jim Higham and Commander Portsmouth Flotilla Commodore Craig Wood to give an insight into frontline operations and operational support as part of the visit to continue the strong relationship between the two countries.

VAdm Radakin said: “I am delighted to welcome Vice Admiral Voronchenko of the Ukrainian Naval Forces to the Royal Navy’s headquarters in Portsmouth and to build on our already strong relations with the Ukraine Navy.

“This is a key opportunity for us to discuss our future cooperation and support and also show VAdm Voronchenko how the Royal Navy operates and develops new technology.”

The same day Adm lques Barbosa Júnior met with the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones at MOD Headquarters in London to discuss Defence strategy before heading to HMNB Portsmouth.

He then met with Cdre Higham and industrial partners BAE Systems and was briefed about future equipment programmes and the naval base’s support to frontline operations.

Cdre Higham said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Admiral Ilques Barbosa Júnior to Portsmouth Naval Base today and give him an overview of the development of our infrastructure and a brief on the strong relations we have with our industrial partners.

“The Royal Navy has a strong global footprint and I am delighted to be able to extend our reach by welcoming one of our international partners to Portsmouth to see all the work we do to ensure our ships deploy across the world in support of operations on time and in the right material condition.”