Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Armed Forces, Minister, Mark Francois, visited Portsmouth recently in order to congratulate the officers and men of HMS Illustrious on their successful assistance to the people of the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, which struck late last year.
Due to them being diverted to help the people of the Philippines, during which time they delivered over 500 tons of supplies and assisted some 40,000 people, the crew of the Illustrious missed being at home for Christmas with their families. As a Defence Minister, Mark made a point of visiting the ship on her homecoming to Portsmouth to thank her officers and men in person for what they had achieved, in helping people who were hit by a terrible natural disaster halfway around the world.
Mark met with the Captain of the ship as well as having a tour and an opportunity to speak to some of the officers and ratings (including a detachment of Royal Marines) in order to thank them for what they have done for the people of the Philippines. Mark then boarded a Royal Naval motor launch and followed HMS Illustrious into harbour, where she was met by many proud families anxious to be reunited with their loved ones.
Commenting on what HMS Illustrious has achieved, Mark said:
“HMS Illustrious provided tremendous support to the people of the Philippines in a time of great need. This is a wonderful example of how our Armed Forces, as well as being there to defend our freedom, also have the ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief halfway around the world. It was tough on the crew being separated from their families over Christmas but on behalf of the Government I wanted to thank them for everything they had done. We are proud of HMS Illustrious and what her people have achieved and it was important to say so.”