The GDFS Essequibo, a stalwart of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, was officially decommissioned in a ceremony that reflected on its two decades of service as a symbol of national strength and maritime pride. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, led the tribute during the ceremony.
Commissioned in 2001 after its tenure as HMS Orwell in the Royal Navy, the GDFS Essequibo was brought to Guyana to bolster maritime security against challenges such as illegal fishing. Over the years, it was commanded by a distinguished lineup of officers, including Captain (CG) John Flores, Lieutenant Commander Floyd Levi, Lieutenant Commander Derrick Erskine, Lieutenant (CG) Michael Elliot, Commander Adrian McLean, and most recently, Lieutenant Commander Ronald McIntyre, who oversaw its final operational phase.
Brigadier Khan expressed his gratitude to all who served aboard the Essequibo, noting that while its operational chapter has closed, its symbolic and historical significance will endure. He mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the vessel’s potential repurposing.
Acting Commander Coast Guard, Commander Adrian McLean, reflected on the ship’s crucial role in maritime patrols, the interdiction of illicit activities, and the training of law enforcement personnel. He emphasized that the decommissioning marks a significant milestone in the Coast Guard’s evolution and the broader efforts to modernize and expand Guyana’s maritime capabilities.
Lieutenant Commander Ronald McIntyre shared a heartfelt tribute to the Essequibo’s legacy, honoring the leadership of his five predecessors. He highlighted the vessel’s participation in regional exercises like Tradewinds, its humanitarian deployment to Grenada after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and various enforcement operations that tested the skill and resolve of its crews. “More than just a vessel, the Essequibo served as a crucible for leadership, resilience, and enduring camaraderie,” he noted.
Former Coast Guard officers, including Captain (CG) John Flores, Lieutenant Commander Floyd Levi, and Lieutenant Commander Derrick Erskine, as well as former Marine Engineer Officer Lieutenant Commander Christopher Lawrence, attended the ceremony. Their presence added a profound sense of continuity and respect, honoring the legacy of the vessel they once commanded.
The decommissioning of the GDFS Essequibo marks a moment of both solemn pride and strategic transition. Its contributions to national security, regional cooperation, and the professional development of Coast Guard personnel will remain firmly etched in the history of the Guyana Defence Force.
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