16/10/2018 - Hampshire travel company works with military precision to help transport US Navy
Lucketts Travel created and delivered a plan for the shore leave of crew from USS Harry S Truman
A Hampshire coach firm has just completed its biggest and most complex projects of the year – transporting thousands of US Navy servicemen and women across the south.
With just 36 hours’ notice, Lucketts Travel, created a plan to ensure the shore leave of crew from USS Harry S Truman ran with military precision.
The Fareham-based coach firm was trusted to deliver transport for crew of the aircraft carrier during their first stop in Portsmouth since leaving the US. Over five days Lucketts transported more than 450 servicemen and women per day on a fleet of around 40 vehicles.
Coaches and minibuses took crew – who have been at sea for a month – to see sights including London’s tourist attractions, Bath, Windsor and Brighton. A fleet of cars and smaller vehicles also ensured embassy visits and VIP visits ran like clockwork.
Lucketts’ managing director Tony Lawman said the commissioning of the project is testament to the company’s impeccable security and compliance credentials, as well as its track record in working with the forces. Last year Lucketts delivered on a similar project for the US Navy, transporting crew from USS George HW Bush during their time in Portsmouth.
Tony said: “We were thrilled to step up and help the crew of the USS Harry S Truman. Thanks to working with the US Navy last year we were able to work efficiently, despite the short notice, as we already had employees that were security cleared for the dockyard.
“Any military organisation needs to trust the companies it uses and will be looking for providers with a high reputation to ensure the safety and security of their staff. This is a factor that is most certainly the number one priority for us.”
Lucketts Travel’s levels of safety and compliance are so high that it is a founding member of DVSA’s Earned Recognition new road safety scheme. It was one of the first companies in the UK to be asked to join the pilot and, because it openly shares its impeccable safety data with the authorities, the company is less likely to have its vehicles routinely stopped at the roadside by DVSA.
It is also a firm supporter of the Armed Forces. Earlier this year it was presented with the Government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) bronze award. The accolade means that Lucketts is officially classed as an armed forces-friendly company, open to employing people from the forces and their spouses. It also means the company has displayed strong levels of support for the armed forces.
Tony, a former serving member of the British Army himself, concluded: “Being based just down the road from one of the UK’s biggest and most historic naval bases, the Armed Forces are a big part of our local identity. We are proud to support the Armed Forces community both as an employer and supplier.”
To find out more about Lucketts visit www.lucketts.co.uk