Port Signs Armed Forces Covenant

^{PORT SIGNS COVENANT: Portland Port’s Chief Executive, Bill Reeves, left, signs the Armed Forces Covenant, attended by Brigadier Graeme ‘Jock’ Fraser MBE, the Naval Regional Commander for Wales and West of England, on board RFA Stirling Castle at the port in south Dorset.}

Portland Port in south-west England has pledged its support for members of the Armed Forces community with the official signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The symbolic signing took place onboard the berthed RFA Stirling Castle, a new ship designed to help safeguard UK’s waters by neutralising mines and seabed threats.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Portland Port has a strong relationship with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines around the world.

Bill Reeves, the port’s Chief Executive, said: “Today’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant is a solemn act in recognition of the proud links the port has now and in the past with the military - warships and RFA vessels regularly berth here.

“Like other signatories, we appreciate the unique obligations of, and the sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces.

“Through the principles of the Covenant, and as a responsible employer, it will be an honour to engage with and support service personnel and their families, as well as veterans and their families. We will also be encouraging our suppliers to do the same.”

Mr Reeves added: “Portland’s proud links with the Royal Navy date back to 1845 and, as a naval base, served an essential role in both world wars and during peacetime.

“It is with this historic context, and the fact that Royal Navy and RFA vessels remain familiar and welcome visitors, that we as a port, and as one of the largest employers in the area, have publicly committed to the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Portland Port employs 53 staff and lets space to a number of companies, including dry and liquid bulk cargo businesses, which provide employment for more than 250 people.

Guests attending the signing included the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and Chris Langham, Chairman of Langham Industries, which owns Portland Port Group.

^{PORT SIGNS COVENANT: Portland Port’s Chief Executive, Bill Reeves signed the Armed Forces Covenant, attended by Brigadier Graeme ‘Jock’ Fraser MBE, the Naval Regional Commander for Wales and West of England, on board RFA Stirling Castle at the port in south Dorset.}

ENDS

Admin: 10th Nov 2023 16:32:00