RFA Argus readying for return to the fleet as MPs make special visit

RFA Argus has just completed a period of planned maintenance in Falmouth following a global deployment over the past two years, and has returned to sea for trials, training, and assurance in preparation for future tasking.

While the ship carried out a routine logistics stop in Portland, members of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme – which serves as an opportunity for MPs to gain first-hand experience of life for service personnel – came aboard along with Commodore Tristram Kirkwood, Naval Regional Commander for Wales and the West of England.

Argus’ Commanding Officer, Captain Marcus Patterson, welcomed the three parliamentarians onto the ship before they were given briefs on the rich and successful history of Argus – which has most recently served as an aviation launchpad for helicopters from the Commando Helicopter Force during a mission to the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.

With vast hospital facilities, Argus takes on the role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship and Aviation Training Ship, and regularly deploys with the Littoral Response Group – a Royal Navy task force designed to respond to global crises.

It was with the Littoral Response Group that Argus last deployed, initially to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2023 in response to regional unrest, before sailing through the Suez Canal and into the Indo-Pacific – eventually leading to exercises in Australia alongside RFA Lyme Bay.

Captain Patterson said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome the members of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme on board as we continue the transition from our planned maintenance cycle to regenerating and training for future tasking.

“This scheme is an integral mechanism in providing Members of Parliament with invaluable exposure to the Armed Forces and its supporting organisations.

“It gives MPs the chance to speak with personnel who work day in, day out to support and achieve defence outputs, providing them with a deeper appreciation of capabilities, and allows them to develop a stronger understanding of defence matters, which they will carry with them throughout their parliamentary careers.

“Visiting RFA Argus, the MPs have been able to see first-hand how different aspects of defence work together to achieve a common goal, as demonstrated by our crew of Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers and our permanently embarked Royal Navy personnel.

“Their visit to a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel was especially welcome, given that this year marks the 120th anniversary of our formation – further highlighting the integral role the Royal Fleet Auxiliary holds within Defence.”

The delegation of Sarah Green MP (Chesham and Amersham), Amanda Martin MP (Portsmouth North), and Vikki Slade MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole) were supported by Commander Susie Moran RN, MOD Parliamentary Engagement Officer.

They were given a tour and an overview of Portland Port’s capabilities, which play an integral role for the UK.

The Members of Parliament then spoke to a broad cross-section of the ship’s staff, giving them the chance to learn more about the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Royal Navy, and Argus herself – finding out about life on board, life at sea, and how critical maritime operational needs are met.