Coastguards from across Dorset and Hampshire formally celebrated the opening of a new Coastguard Station at Swanwick on Wednesday 11 March.
Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) from Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team have responded to more than 100 incidents since their state-of-the-art new facility on the bank of the river Hamble went operational last year.
The station houses the team’s Coastguard Rescue Vehicle and specialist equipment to support their mud rescue capability, as well as hot showers, a training room, drying room, and workspace.
Derrick Jones, Assistant Chief Coastguard for England and Wales, formally opened the station, alongside Area 9 Coastal Operations Area Commander Tom Wright.
Also attending were the Area 9 Management Team, Operations colleagues from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at Fareham, Coastguard Rescue Teams from across Hampshire, and SAR partners including those from nearby Gosport and Hamble.
Derrick said: “It’s been my pleasure to open Hill Head’s new Coastguard Station. This is an impressive and important community asset that helps the Coastguard Rescue Service to continue to provide a high-quality emergency response for Hill Head and the surrounding area.
“I’d like to offer the team my thanks for their service and to wish them the very best as they operate from their new station. I’d also like to use this opportunity to recognise the crucial role the team here play in ensuring people are safe along our coastline.”
During the event, retiring CRO Ken Pink was issued a valedictory certificate for completion of 22 years in the Coastguard Rescue Service (CRS).
Tom Wright, Coastal Operations Area Commander, said: “It was incredibly moving to see Ken receive this award. We wish him all the very best as he spends more time with family, and we’d like to thank him for his outstanding commitment during his longstanding tenure with the Coastguard and with Hill Head team.”
