Latest Royal Navy Newshttps://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/newsLatest news from the Royal Navy websiteen-GB60{355FD492-CE85-4080-AF7F-EFDCE348AAD6}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/27/20240327-historic-submarine-standards-shed-light-on-proud-royal-navy-traditionHistoric submarine standards shed light on proud Royal Navy tradition<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">Raised on World War 1 submarine HMS E54 after successful patrols, it can now be seen at the spiritual home of the Silent Service.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">This earliest known surviving example of a Royal Navy submarine Jolly Roger joins the RN Submarine Museum’s newest acquisition, the flag from HMS Thorough from 1943 as centrepieces of a new display celebrating the links between British boats and the skull and crossbones, plus the cultural history of the iconic standard.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">E-class boat HMS E54 served in the second half of the Great War, chiefly employed as a U-boat killer in the North Sea and Atlantic – sinking two German submarines in the process.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">HMS Thorough saw extensive action in the Far East in the later years of World War 2, where she proved to be a scourge of the Japanese, dispatching more than 40 vessels to strangle Tokyo’s sea lanes. Thorough remained in service until the early 60s, becoming the first Royal Navy submarine to complete a circumnavigation.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">The association between the Service and the Jolly Roger dates to the first days of World War 1 when Lieutenant Commander Max Horton had a makeshift flag hoisted on his HMS E9 as she returned home sinking a German warship.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: black;">It was an act of defiance to some of the dinosaurs in the Admiralty who regarded the submarine as a machine unworthy of the Royal Navy: “underhanded, unfair and damned unEnglish… treat all submarines as pirates in wartime… and hang all their crews” – in the words of Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson.</span></p>{AAAB75AB-16D6-4BAB-ABD8-6849915FA0A7}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/27/20240327-ww2-submarine-tragedy-remembered-at-its-namesake-iconic-siteWW2 submarine tragedy remembered at its namesake iconic site<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">HMS Stonehenge vanished on only her second patrol some time in mid-March 1944 in the Bay of Bengal.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">All 50 souls aboard were lost – neither their fate, nor their boat’s have ever been determined. Most likely, the submarine struck a mine or suffered mechanical failure in waters between the Nicobar Islands and Sumatra.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">HMS Stonehenge was officially listed as lost on March 22 1944 – less than three weeks after an official war photographer had captured crew on camera preparing for their fateful last mission.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">Eight decades later, national veterans’ charity Alabaré organised a memorial service in conjunction with English Heritage at the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire which gave the ill-starred sub her name.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">Ten RN veterans joined representatives of the Submarines Association, Royal Naval Association and serving personnel from Navy HQ in Portsmouth gathered around the ancient stones with Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Rose Troughton for a commemorative service led by the Rt Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury.</span></p>{05777DF8-5BC2-4BD6-A17E-C973439BA07C}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/26/20240326-rn-side-makes-history-at-international-rugby-7s-contest-in-fijiRN side makes history at international Rugby 7s contest in Fiji<p>The squad were invited to join the best Rugby 7s sides in Fiji and surrounding area for the renowned Bitter Marist tournament</p> <p>No team travelled further (16,000km/9,940 miles) to take part in the three-day contest than the Royal Navy – it’s the first time a side from UK has participated in the competition, now in its 48th year.</p> <p>For making that tremendous effort alone, the side were honoured by their hosts with a standing ovation and received traditional sulu skirts and garlands.</p> <p>Nearly 90 teams threw their hats in the ring for the event – men’s/women’s and U18 sides all taking to the field.</p> <p>Split across two grounds in the capital Suva, Bitter Marist is a festival of rugby with up to 44 matches per day from 7.15 in the morning through to the final games shortly before 8pm, with sides in action three or four times in a day.</p> <p>The competition is focused on developing rugby at the grassroots level in Fiji – but with one eye firmly on the Olympic team heading to Paris this summer to defend its gold medal from Tokyo 2020, making it a tournament of rugby played to the highest standard.</p> <p>Sadly, despite their best efforts – and despite being joined by guest player and Olympic gold medallist Napolioni Balaca – the RN didn’t make the finals (the DCX Army Green were crowned champions), but they will take the experience and any lessons learned into the Inter-Service contest in June.</p> <p>“Fiji has been incredible, to experience the culture and customs has been an honour and one I will cherish forever – in Fiji, Rugby 7s is more of a religion that just a game, it’s engrained into every single person,” said Petty Officer David ‘Trigger’ Heming, RNRU 7s logistics manager.</p> <p>“To watch teams play with the freedom and expression has been incredible. The Marist 7s was always going to be difficult, and it was disappointing not to have progressed into the latter stages of the competition, but I believe we have learnt so much more than just rugby whilst we have been here. I am proud of what we have achieved and on our return to the UK we will strive to rectify our game so when we come back to Fiji we will be competing for the top prizes.”</p> <div> </div>{EFB7172A-F5E3-4D86-B625-E8EBA26C926A}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/26/20240326-memorial-to-st-nazaire-raiders-erected-in-commando-units-birthplaceMemorial to St Nazaire raiders erected in commando unit’s birthplace<p>A memorial plaque will be unveiled on the former headquarters of No.5 Commando whose men went on to storm German defences at St Nazaire, helped seize Madagascar from pro-Nazi French forces, and served extensively across the Indo-Pacific in the final two years of the war with Japan.</p> <p>It’s the latest reminder to today’s generation of past sacrifices which has been driven by Chief Petty Officer Richard Jones.</p> <p>The senior rating, who’s based at HMS Collingwood, devotes his spare time to drawing attention to forgotten tragedies in the UK – shipwrecks, rail and tube accidents – and ensuring they’re remembered, be it with a monument or memorial plaque, a book, or both.</p> <p>Much of his recent efforts have focused on his hometown of Bridlington and its role in both world wars – there are four blue plaques in the resort already to local George Cross/Medal winners.</p> <p>Now he’s turned his attention to No.5 Commando, whose links with Bridlington were pointed out to him by local Navy veteran Martin Barmby.</p> <p>The unit was one of the first commando units set up by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to raise hell in occupied Europe, formed less than a month after the fall of France in 1940.</p> <p>The fledgling unit made its headquarters in the unlikely setting of a grand Victorian-era terrace: 6 The Crescent, Bridlington.</p>{4F98AB80-2742-42DD-A21F-A201B2E887EE}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/26/20240326-veteran-commando-baz-leads-capital-speed-march-to-help-fellow-marinesVeteran commando Baz leads capital speed march to help fellow marines<p>The former RSM from Yelverton in Devon will lead a speed march through the capital – 12 ex-Royal Marines, all aged over 45, running 26 miles in full military gear, carrying 40lb of kit in their Bergen backpacks.</p> <p>Baz hopes to set a world record and, more important, more than £50,000 to help veterans with mental health issues.</p> <p>On the day the runners will be spurred on for stretches of the marathon by supporters who’ll run with them (minus the impediments).</p> <p>For those who don’t fancy such a demanding run, Baz is also organising a series of smaller challenges nationwide, open to anybody of any age who wants to take part and have a go at running a 400-metre course with a 40lb pack as quickly as possible.</p> <p>“Physical and mental health issues within the entire veteran community are as bad today as they have ever been,” Baz said.</p> <p>“This is a result of many years in conflict zones on a global scale, most notably in Afghanistan and Iraq.</p> <p>He continued: “The knock-on effect of this goes far beyond the individual. It has huge impact on friends and family, especially children.</p> <p>“Having a project to focus on and a purpose in life can transform it from one of utter boredom and depression to one of excitement and fulfilment.</p> <p>“This initiative is already changing lives and inspiring many veterans to get up, get active and find a bit of their old selves. We want to grow it, share it and transform as many more lives as we can.”</p> <p>With several months to go to the July 24, Baz is just over £5k short of his £50k target – donations can be made via <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/rmveteransspeedmarchteam">https://www.justgiving.com/page/rmveteransspeedmarchteam</a></p> <div> </div>{E60DC49D-F252-4883-8276-E5F40D16AC23}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/25/20240325-cornish-youngsters-learn-about-engineering-opportunities-on-culdrose-visitCornish youngsters learn about engineering opportunities on Culdrose visit<p>This event was organised with the charity The Jon Egging Trust and involved pupils from the Cornish schools Helston Community College, Poltair School, Penryn College, Mounts Bay Academy and Penrice Academy.<br />  <br /> They spent time taking part in teambuilding activities at 700X Naval Air Squadron as well as a learning all about the Royal Navy's helicopters with the Air Engineering School at the Merlin Training Facility.<br />  <br /> Lieutenant Tony Nairn, of 700X Naval Air Squadron and who helped organise the event, said: “It was a pleasure to facilitate the day in support of the Jon Egging Trust. This marks the beginning of their growth into the south west as a national youth development charity, enabling support to neighbouring schools.<br />  <br /> “The success of the event was measured on the positive feedback from schoolteachers, pupils, and charity staff. With strong links to the military, this event lays the foundations for future collaborations with Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.”<br />  <br /> Sam Rule, the charity’s regional manager, said: “It has been fantastic working with RNAS Culdrose to organise the Inspirational Outreach day. The event provided an amazing opportunity for students to access areas of the base that they wouldn't usually see, providing them with an opportunity to see various operations in practice.<br />  <br /> “The day enabled the students to develop a range of skills including communication, resilience and teamwork through a great mix of activities, tours and presentations.”<br />  </p> {34C6F5CF-63F2-4896-8169-918D053901AE}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/25/20240325-new-documentary-highlights-experiences-of-lgbtq-sailors-past-and-presentNew documentary highlights experiences of LGBTQ+ sailors past and present<p><em><span style="background: white;">Uncharted Waters: Generations of LGBTQ+ Pride in the Royal Navy </span></em><span>gives an insight into life in the Service as an LGBTQ+ sailor – officers and ratings – the impact of the ban on individuals, and how the Royal Navy has changed in the quarter century since the law was changed.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The documentary, which debuts at the Action Stations Auditorium in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at 6pm has been produced by filmmaker David Graham in partnership with the Royal Navy’s LGBTQ+ Network.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Following the screening, there’ll be a chance to chat with those involved in the project, as well as local LGBTQ+ organisations and veterans’ charities, such as the Royal Navy’s LGBTQ+ Network, the Terence Higgins Trust, Downtown Pompey, Portsmouth Pride, Queer All Year and Fighting With Pride. </span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">"Our short film is a perfect way for the network to show its open arms to our returning veteran community,” said Lieutenant Danny Cairns, co-chair of the RN LGBTQ+ Network</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“Within the Armed Forces, veterans are a huge part of our culture and education system; unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ ban not only took away a generation of sailors, but took away our role models, our mentors and a support network.</span></p>{86AAD3E5-3416-46FE-A7E6-B28164C9635C}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/22/20240322-1710-himalayasFrom helicopters to the Himalayas – Portsmouth Navy engineers trek to Everest<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A 14-strong team – from able seaman to commander – normally responsible for recovering and adapting military helicopters, monitoring and assessing their engines/systems, spent 15 days being guided by two expert instructors through the Himalayas.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The adventurous training expedition took the air engineers of 1710 Naval Air Squadron to iconic locations as they tackled the ‘Three Passes Trek’ – and challenges posed by altitude sickness and temperatures – down to -26 Celsius.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The trekkers slept in tea houses which offered very basic facilities: no running water or electricity. Maintaining sanitary conditions so high up is a major challenge: all the water – including for washing hands and toilets – was frozen. The only heating is from a stove in the dining room, lit only in the evening and fuelled by dried yak dung.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The team conquered Renjo La and Cho La passes, vast glaciers, battled snowstorms and poor visibility before making a 12-hour hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,600ft) and back, which proved to be well worth the effort for the combination of the views offered and the fact that the engineers were the only ones there out of season. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Although weather conditions made it more difficult and temperatures were as low as -26 Celsius, there were almost no other trekkers around, so the team could fully appreciate the enormity and magnificence of the huge towering mountains of the Himalayas,” said Lieutenant Jenna Clark.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Wintry conditions forced the engineers to skip the final pass of the trek, Kongma La, and head back down the valley – a sobering trek as they passed the memorials to climbers who’ve lost their lives climbing Everest and other mountains in the region rising above 7,000 metres.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Avionics specialist Air Engineering Technician Matthew Edwards said despite the exertions, the expedition was “pure joy”.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He continued: “Every step felt like an adventure and I couldn’t get enough of it. The most challenging aspect was becoming ill the night before the first and most challenging pass.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“I had to push my body to the limit, running on very little energy and an empty stomach (due to being ill). I felt a huge sense of accomplishment once that day was over – it was the most mentally and physically challenging day of my life so far.”</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Exped leader Lieutenant Olivia Critchley-Peddle said beyond the experience of a lifetime, the Himalayan trek said her squadron would benefit from the skills learned in the mountains - and the determination needed to overcome adversity. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“There were multiple times and prolonged periods that our resilience was tested. To keep trekking day after day, setting off at 0500 on some days and in such low temperatures, the entire team deserve all the credit I can give them,” she added.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Physical fitness and courage played major roles in the trek, but the resilience developed and the leadership shown at various points, pulling each other through and working together to get over the high passes was amazing.” </p>{1BB59495-4D47-45E6-B6D3-8DCA41621093}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/22/20240322-culdrose-fliers-and-family-remember-sea-king-tragedy-50-years-onCuldrose fliers and family remember Sea King tragedy 50 years on<p>A short service was held at Beagles Point on the Lizard Peninsula where on the night of March 21 1974 the helicopter collided with the cliffs, killing all four crew.</p> <p>Those lost were Captain Kenneth McDonald, aged 25, of the Royal Canadian Navy; Sub-Lieutenant Robert Stephen Johnson, 24, from Edinburgh; Sub-Lieutenant Edward Wild, 22 from London; and Leading Aircrewman Brian Sharpe, 27 from Peterborough.</p> <p>All served with 824 Naval Air Squadron - still based at nearby RNAS Culdrose, though today the Merlin Mk2 has replaced the Sea King.</p> <p>A memorial was erected at the crash site, then restored five years ago with a plaque added,  and served as the focal point for anniversary commemorations.</p> <p>Culdrose’s chaplain the Rev Raphael Duckett led the act of remembrance, while bugler Sub-Lieutenant Chris Harris of HMS Seahawk’s Band sounded the Last Post.</p> <p>Wreaths were placed on the monument by the family of Leading Aircrewman Sharpe, including his brother Peter Sharpe and the aviator’s daughter Pamela Puncher.</p> <p>“When I thought what it might be like to be here today, my first thought was that it might be windy… not very prosaic perhaps but actually it’s quite a deep-rooted metaphor for me and a remembrance that takes me all the way back to this day in 1974,” Ms Puncher said.</p> <p>“That night, when these wonderful young men that we’re here to honour and remember tragically left us all, there was a piercing wind. I was eight years old and I awoke in the middle of the night feeling cold. I came out of my bedroom into the hall of our bungalow in Trenethick Parc in Helston.</p> <p>“The front door was open. A policeman stood in the doorway and the wind blew in wrapping my night dress around my legs and making me shiver. I remember my poor grieving mum, Valerie, sitting with friends. They were all crying. She held my hands and asked me to be brave.”</p>{8CDB57BF-F430-49A6-9557-1EC03C453365}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/22/20240322-plymouth-armed-forces-day-2024-returns-with-a-bangPlymouth Armed Forces Day 2024 returns with a bang!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The exciting line-up for the Day was revealed at a launch event marking 100 days until Armed Forces Day 2024 which will be celebrated on Saturday 29 June.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The launch was hosted by the Royal Navy at HMS Drake. Captain David Preece Royal Navy, Deputy Naval Base Commander & Captain of the Base, presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer, with the Armed Forces flag. Members from Babcock, Plymouth City Council and representatives from each military service, veterans, cadets and Military Kids Club also attended.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The launch event saw the firing of a gun round to mark the 100 days countdown to Armed Forces Day. Additional photos were taken at the waterside.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It is expected that over 45,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the family-fun event.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span>This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays and challenges, military vehicles and equipment, thrilling demonstrations and parades. </p>{6ED381A6-2443-4787-9BC9-592E2A3FC2D8}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/22/20240322-unprecedented-rise-in-sos-calls-from-seafarers-in-red-sea-crisis‘Unprecedented’ rise in SOS calls from seafarers in Red Sea crisis<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">The team at the UK Maritime Trade Organisation, based on Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth, are dealing with two or three reports of attacks and incidents daily – compared with monthly – as a result of the wave of attacks on shipping in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">For the first time the UKMTO opened the doors of its headquarters to shed light on the efforts of its small team – just 18 strong – to help terrified or distressed sailors, guide other vessels to help out (or avoid the area) and work with international shipping companies to keep trade flowing.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">The 24/7/365 operations room acts as the ‘999 call centre’ for shipping of any nationality in the Gulf, Red Sea and central/northern Indian Ocean.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">The UKMTO’s operators – no more than five personnel at any one time – monitor thousands of ships moving across an area ten times the size of the North Sea, as well as a similar size of the Atlantic Ocean focused on the Gulf of Guinea which has suffered piracy and criminal activity, though not to the same extent.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15pt;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c;"></span><span style="color: #0b0c0c;">They’ve seen a 475 per cent increase in incidents reported by seafarers in the Middle East since attacks began in the autumn, with over 2,500 emails coming into the HQ daily.</span></p>{FC9B8FFD-1B53-403D-8264-21E206209207}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/22/240322-wargaming-hubDedicated wargaming facility to boost operations and lived experience<p>Just metres away from where the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Western Europe was directed exactly 80 years ago – is the UK Strategic Command Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub, a versatile space committed to running scenario-based wargames. </p> <p>The building, based at the old Maritime Warfare Centre on the former HMS Dryad site in Southwick, Hampshire, has seen investment to become a site where personnel from units and formations can converge and play out the outcomes of different scenarios.</p> <p>These can range from operational-based such as examining future command and control or people-based, like how changing certain aspects of Service life could impact retention.</p> <p>Information and data gathered is then fed back to see how it could be used to guide future decisions. </p> <p>The hub is designed for Defence-level wargames and bringing together single Service, Joint, Defence and International partners.</p> <p>Head of Joint Warfare Development, Commodore Christopher Goodsell, said: “This hub is not an isolated entity but rather an integral part of a global network that brings together teams from diverse locations.</p> <p>“This collaborative approach ensures a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. The Hub is designed to evolve in tandem with the changing world, leveraging technological advancements to establish connections with academia, single Services, industry, government and allies worldwide.</p> <p>“This integration enables us to conduct wargames, share analyses and derive insights regardless of geographical boundaries.”</p>{CDF00B04-E0CC-4B13-A354-B513F0430922}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/20/20240320-first-sailors-complete-ground-breaking-trial-to-help-curb-injuries-ruining-military-careersFirst sailors complete ground-breaking trial to help curb injuries ruining military careers<p>Civilians joining the Naval Service now undergo comprehensive scientific assessments, using the latest tech and sports science knowledge which will shape future training programmes and how the Royal Navy helps rehabilitate personnel with injuries.</p> <p>Motion capture technology (kinematics) record recruits’ gait as they walk or run across a series of pressure points and pads, assessing how and where they distribute their body weight as they do so.</p> <p>Coupled with measuring grip strength, height, and observing how someone stands, as well as noting health factors such as smoking and diet, the data will be used in a bid to curb the single biggest cause of sailors and marines being medically downgraded: musculoskeletal injuries.</p> <p>Such injuries – anything which is muscular/bone related, such as a twisted knee or hip injury – account for half the military personnel who are medically downgraded.</p> <p>Working side-by-side with leading academics from Bath, Exeter and Southampton Universities, the goal is to drastically cut those injuries (typically caused by overuse, playing sport, physical training, or poor working practices) across the Naval Service.</p> <p>Scientific Support Facilities (SSF) have been installed at two of the Royal Navy’s ‘entry’ training establishments: HMS Raleigh and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone; a third facility will be established at the Institute of Naval Medicine in Alverstoke later this year to capture Phase 2 and 3 trainees.</p> <p>The first batch of recruits at HMS Raleigh had their details recorded over several hours in the new facility.</p> <p>Markers – reference points – were fitted to a recruit’s body before they walked/ran down a short runway, filmed all the way, while pressure sensors under the walkway recorded the distribution and application of weight.</p> <p>“It’s a bit like how they filmed Gollum in Lord of the Rings,” explained Ellie Scott, a post-graduate researcher from the University of Exeter.</p>{885A90F9-008A-4EDF-8E85-8FDF273D4154}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/19/20240319-coventrys-iconic-cross-captured-on-canvas-in-falklands-tributeCoventry’s iconic Cross captured on canvas in Falklands tribute<p>Emerging from the depths a diver clasps the Cross – symbol of a city, a Royal Navy warship and hope over suffering – in a tribute to the men lost when the warship went down – and the men who dived on the wreck on the secret recovery operation.</p> <p>Former clearance diver Ray Sinclair says the Cross of Nails is a “significant religious relic” and its history and importance to the Royal Navy, the Type 42 destroyer and her namesake city “cannot be understated”.</p> <p>The original cross was fashioned by the Rev Arthur Philip Wales who found several large hand-forged carpenters' nails, each about 18 inches long, dating back to the mediaeval era in the still-smouldering ruins of Coventry Cathedral on the morning after the Midlands city was flattened by the Luftwaffe at the height of the Blitz in November 1940.</p> <p>The clergyman used some wire to bind together three nails into the shape of a Latin cross, thus creating the original Cross of Nails, which became an icon of suffering in war, but also of human triumph over adversity and ultimately a symbol of peace and reconciliation.</p> <p>When Coventry Cathedral was rebuilt in the aftermath of World War 2, other nails and roof spikes recovered from the ruins were saved, welded together, plated with silver and sent to cities in Germany which suffered badly from bombing including Kiel, Berlin and Dresden.</p> <p>And when a new HMS Coventry joined the Fleet in the late 1970s, a Cross of Nails was donated to the destroyer as an enduring bond with the city.<br /> Kept in the captain’s cabin, it also became the centrepiece of the Sunday morning service aboard.</p> <p>And that is where divers found it, among personal possessions of Captain David Hart-Dyke, HMS Coventry’s Commanding Officer on the fateful day of May 25 1982.</p> <p>The destroyer was struck by three 250kg bombs on her port side while operating with HMS Broadsword off Pebble Island, north of the Falklands, in a bid to lure Argentine aircraft away from the bulk of the British amphibious force around San Carlos water.</p> <p>The destroyer sank in 23 minutes, taking 19 men down with her, coming to rest on the seabed 330ft down.</p> <div> </div>{7E94D773-0B5A-4F5C-89E6-05CD634DBC4D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/18/20240318-devonports-heritage-area-reopens-after-winter-revampDevonport’s heritage area reopens after winter revamp<p><span style="background: white;">The Naval Base Heritage Centre, which charts the development of the dockyard and Plymouth’s role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts, has reopened its doors to the public after a revamp ahead of this year’s 200<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebrations of Devonport Dockyard.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The centre – in Vivid Approach, off Granby Way – comprises historic buildings, galleries, and exhibits. </span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">In the Old Fire Station, which dates back to 1851, there is the Age of Sail Gallery which highlights the sailing navy and wooden shipbuilding in Devonport.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The 19th-Century Dockyard Superintendent’s and Pay Office has the core of the collection, including uniforms through the ages, a Royal Yacht China collection and the Courageous gallery celebrating the Silent Service, featuring the a fully operational submarine periscope to look through.</span></p>{D49CE766-3801-4D2F-8A9D-DF47FB6423B4}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/18/20240318-icons-of-hms-blyth-donated-to-namesake-town-for-safekeepingIcons of HMS Blyth donated to namesake town for safekeeping<p><span style="background: white;">The Faslane-based minehunter bowed out of service after two decades in 2021 and now patrols the Black Sea as Sublocotenent Ion Ghiculescu under the Romanian flag, while autonomous systems and remote-controlled craft replace the Sandown-class vessel and her sisters.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Should the name Blyth be resurrected in the future, the bell from the hunter, plus her name plate and battle honours board are held by the Blyth Town Council for safe keeping.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The artefacts were donated will full pomp and ceremony at Blyth Bede Academy, featuring an opening performance by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums and static displays by various units of the Royal Navy, Maritime Reserves, and military charities.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Naval Regional Commander for the North of England and Isle of Man Commodore Tom Knowles addressed nearly 250 guests including local MPs, Northumberland’s Deputy Lieutenant Andy Collier and Blyth’s Mayor Councillor Warren Taylor.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“This was an event to be proud of, but it was also tinged with sadness as our adopted ship has been decommissioned,” Cllr Taylor said.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“We are a proud naval town having had a major submarine base in South Harbour during World War 2 and our relationship with the Royal Navy is very strong.<br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> </span><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“We will take great care of the bell and will ensure that as many people as possible will be able to see it over the years.”</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);"> </span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Media and PR </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Keith@highlightspr.co.uk" target="_blank" style="color: #0563c1; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: black;">Keith@highlightspr.co.uk</span></a><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"> 07814 397951</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> <br /> </span></p>{202658E5-F8B8-499E-84E3-829EE60AF2C7}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20241503-tamar-in-aucklandTraining with Kiwis bears fruit for HMS Tamar<p>Making use of their hosts – both personnel and ships – the crew of the Portsmouth-based vessel made use of the waters of the Hairaki Gulf, just off Auckland on the North Island, to get acquainted with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s deployable boarding team.</p> <p>That team is integral to Tamar’s next mission, in Fiji, so getting used to each other’s navy’s ways of working – similar given their heritage, but not identical – was crucial.</p> <p>The customs launch Swan V and the multi-purpose HMNZS Canterbury – the ‘Swiss pocket knife’ of the Kiwi Navy – served as ‘vessels of interest’ for search teams to first board, then scour for ‘illegal’ fishing hauls.</p> <p>Tamar is about to work with authorities in Fiji, conducting joint patrols of the waters of and around the island chain, helping the Commonwealth nation build up their capacity for and knowledge of board and search operations to help curb illegal fishing.</p> <p>Fishing counts for around one tenth of Fiji’s exports, while illegal activities not only deprive the island of immediate income, but can also upset the delicate ecological balance of the South Pacific… and future prosperity.</p> <p>The same waters also allowed a specialist training team from the UK to fly out and assess Tamar.</p> <p>With the ship operating thousands of miles from her home country now for more than two years, and with her crew rotating regularly to sustain her Asia-Pacific mission, an assurance team from the UK drops in sporadically to put sailors through their paces – as they do for Royal Navy vessels in home waters with Fleet Operational Standards and Training.</p> <p>“It is a bit different from doing our sea training in the South Coast Exercise areas,” said Lieutenant Justine Lambert, Tamar’s correspondence officer.</p> <p>“North Island and the Gulf of Hauraki are stunning. The welcome and assistance we have had from the Royal New Zealand Navy has been amazing. The traditional Pōwhiri welcome is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.”</p>{105B8797-5329-485C-8A05-D6137D02F195}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20240315-navys-south-atlantic-guardians-link-up-in-south-georgiaNavy’s South Atlantic guardians link up in South Georgia<p>Two, yes, two Royal Navy vessels operating side-by-side in waters off the remote South Atlantic island chain.</p> <p>Standing out sharply against the snowy, rocky backdrop, icebreaker HMS Protector.</p> <p>And blending in rather better with her surroundings thanks to her WW1 throwback ‘dazzle paint’ livery, patrol ship HMS Forth.</p> <p>Although the two ships are frequently found south of the Equator, they seldom meet, and almost never work together.</p> <p>Forth focuses around the Falklands, and Protector mostly around the Antarctic Peninsula.</p> <p>Except on this rare encounter in South Georgia… as Forth conducted one of her longer-range patrols coinciding with Protector on her second and final work period of the austral summer.</p> <p>HMS Protector performed her primary duty: surveying operations to update maritime charts (South Georgia is increasingly visited by cruise ships due to its stunning vistas and rich wildlife on the Antarctic), using her Multibeam Echo Sounder to scoop up data from more than 1,500 nautical miles of the southern ocean.</p>{805D7424-AC26-4D59-9A2B-9964FA893A2F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20240315-final-frigate-revamp-passes-key-milestone-as-hms-sutherland-returns-to-the-waterFinal frigate revamp passes key milestone as HMS Sutherland returns to the water<p>The Type 23 frigate has been high and dry for well over 12 months, taken out of the water for her LIFEX (life extension) refit in the hands of defence firm Babcock.</p> <p>Sutherland is the last ship in her class to go through the overhaul, which – as the name suggests – extends the life of the frigates to allow them to continue in service into the mid-2030s.</p> <p>While in dry dock in Devonport’s frigate refit complex, Sutherland has undergone a full structural survey and a major upgrade including 700 inserts, 11,500 weld repairs demanding more than five kilometres of welding.</p> <p>Entire sections of the ship have been deconstructed and then rebuilt to allow engine, generator and machinery control upgrades: forward and aft switchboards, new diesel generator and motor generator sets in the forward and upper auxiliary machinery rooms, as well as the installation of several miles of new pipework and cables.</p> <p>As a fighting machine, Sutherland has also received an upgraded 2150 Sonar system, requiring the removal of the sonar bow dome – a major lifting operation involving specialist support.</p> <p>And she’s the very last ship in her class to receive the Sea Ceptor missile system – now proven in action after HMS Richmond downed drones at the weekend.</p>{CBFB9C57-1B46-42FB-8011-399D9D31405B}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-ceremony-of-the-dues-launches-royal-marines-360-celebrationsRoyal Marines kick off 360th year with commando style Ceremony of the Dues in London<p>Three raiding craft made the short journey from HMS President, under Tower Bridge to the Tower of London carrying their ‘Dues’ (the barrel of port) for the Constable of the Tower – fittingly, retired senior Royal Marine, General Sir Gordon Messenger.<br /> <br /> The ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 14th Century when naval ships passing into London were ordered to pay a levy.<br /> <br /> Normally Royal Navy sailors carry out this task, but given the significance of their 360th year, Royal Marines were given the honour to mark their illustrious history and also their place at the very forefront of UK Defence.<br /> <br /> It is the second time the Royal Marines have conducted this ceremony – the first time was in 2014 when the Corps was marking its 350th anniversary.<br /> <br /> A Commando Merlin helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron carried out a fly past and Royal Marines past and present gathered at the Tower to mark the occasion, with head of the Corps, Commandant General Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins, overseeing events.<br /> <br /> He said: “To be afforded the opportunity to enact this unique ceremony on our 360th anniversary is a tremendous honour.<br /> <br /> “Like all Royal Marines, I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us.<br /> <br /> “What you have seen today is the combination of tradition that speaks to our core ethos and values, alongside the adaptability and professionalism of the modern commando force who will continue this legacy into the future.”<br /> <br /> Warrant Officer 1 Simon Stroud, the Ceremonial Lead for the occasion, added: “It’s always a great privilege to conduct ceremonial duties in the nation’s capital. The Ceremony of the Dues is steeped in history, and to be part of that is a fantastic honour.<br /> <br /> “Every Marine taking part will remember this day with pride throughout their careers.”</p>{70CC8267-3638-4F53-90F2-39896BD3D201}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-nato-task-groups-sail-togetherNATO task groups come together off Norway coast<p>The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, was joined by a NATO Amphibious Task Group and a range of aircraft off the coast of Norway as part of Exercise Nordic Response.</p> <p>The formation of more than 10 ships from eight nations gave the men and women on board the chance to practise close manoeuvres - overcoming language barriers and different ways of operating at sea.</p> <p>In a show of might for NATO and it partners, the exercise allowed the vessels and their aircraft to demonstrate their ability to defend allied territory while simultaneously defending themselves from potential enemies.</p> <p>Taking part were: Royal Navy ships HMS Prince of Wales, frigate HMS Portland, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring and amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay; Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon; German replenishment ship FGS Bonn; Norwegian frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup, corvette HNoMS Gnist, patrol vessels HNoMS Olav Tyrggvason and HNoMS Magnus Lagabote; Norwegian coast guard ship KV Bjornoya; Dutch support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman; Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi; French frigate FS Normadie; and US destroyer USS Paul Ignatius. </p> <p>There was also a fly past by Swedish JSA-39 Gripens and Finnish F-18 Hornets.</p>{15A80B42-B5FE-4222-BB73-328B8D66E67D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-terminally-ill-veterans-dream-come-to-true-at-england-rugbyTerminally ill veteran's dream comes true at England rugby<p>The 23-year-old, who has a rare form of cancer, met match-winner Marcus Smith and came away with a unique souvenir, the fly half’s England shorts.</p> <p>Toby and his dad, Royal Navy Commander Rob Brann, were gifted tickets for the game by Rugby4Heroes after an appeal on social media by Rob and his wife Helen, which was shared by former SAS soldier and best-selling author Chris Ryan.</p> <p>“The match was superb, England were awesome and the whole stadium was jumping - the atmosphere was terrific,” said Toby, who is now wheelchair bound.</p> <p> “I could not have wished for a better day and then to meet Marcus after the match and his amazing drop goal was just the icing on the cake.”</p> <p>Smith whose drop goal won the match said: “It was great to share that moment pitch side with Toby and his dad and to celebrate the win with them.”</p> <p>Toby served five years in the Navy including a memorable spell aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during exercises in the United States.</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://rugbyforheroes.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Rugby4Heroes</a> is a rugby and music festival run by Old Leamingtonians RFC to support Armed Forces charities. </p> <p>Volunteer and member Mike Vallance donated his own tickets to the pair. He said: “It was the least I could do for a young man who has served his country and is showing such courage in such difficult circumstances.</p> <p>“I am just so grateful for everyone who made this possible especially Rugby4Heroes and the brilliant staff at Twickenham. Thank you for a very special day.”<br /> <br /> The young sailor, who has Stage Four of a rare form of cancer called adrenal cortisol carcinoma, had always wanted to watch England play rugby at Twickenham with his father Rob.</p> <p>At the end of the game fly half Smith, who had come on as a substitute in the 60th minute and won the match with a last-gasp drop goal raced from the West Stand tunnel area right across the pitch to the East Stand to meet up with his family and his girlfriend, where Toby and his father were sitting.</p> <p>Rob said: “At the end of the match, with England players finishing their lap of honour to rapturous applause, Marcus Smith came over to the area we were in to celebrate with his family members.<br />  <br /> “I approached his girlfriend and explained Toby’s situation and his terminal illness and that he would love to have a photo with Marcus. She duly asked Marcus, who came over to chat with Toby.  <br />  <br /> “What a fantastic day. The amazing reaction to Chris Ryan sharing our story, the generous donation of tickets, the accommodating helpfulness of staff at Twickenham and the great atmosphere created by the fans.<br />  <br /> “Everyone helped make way for Toby’s wheelchair and laughed and joked with us - and, of course, two fantastic rugby teams treated us to an amazing game of rugby – an experience which has touched our hearts and created a lasting memory for all of us.” <br /> <br /> Afterwards Chris Ryan said on social media: “We all know RN veteran Toby and let’s be proud of the tiny part we played in putting that smile on his face.</p> <p>“For his dreadful condition, he was in really high spirits and I spoke with Toby as soon as the game finished. He was actually next to Marcus Smith, who came over to say hello to him. He was just overwhelmed and overjoyed.</p> <p>"He's such a strong character for the position that he's been placed in, he's just steadfast in his spirit. He is worrying about his family. He's more concerned about them than himself. He's just a great man. He sent me the picture of him with Marcus and it was actually overwhelming, to tell you the truth.</p> <p>"This will be his last winter and last summer," Chris added. "Now having met the young man, what surprised me was his love for his family, his concern for his family. The reason he asked to go to the rugby match was for memories for his father. He's a selfless young man who is thinking about other people rather than himself. It's moving. I've been around a lot of people in situations where death occurs, and this actually had a profound effect on me.”</p> <p>The Rugby Football Union and the Royal Navy Rugby Union had earlier contacted Toby’s father with an invitation to Twickenham to watch England’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales.</p> <p>The England team had also invited them to squad training at Pennyhill Park but, while being very grateful for the offer, it was decided that making the journey from Plymouth was not manageable at that time. Father and son were, however, able to be guests at the Wales Test before going back to watch England’s dramatic victory over Ireland.</p> <p>Royal Navy Rugby Union Council member, Kirsty Marlor, said: “It was a real privilege to have Toby and Rob at Twickenham as our guests for the Wales match, to recognise their service and help them make memories.  The rugby family has wrapped their arms around them and I’m so glad that they were at the stadium to enjoy the England victory at the weekend.”</p>{482B1944-1867-4A7D-876B-D3488DE5D76D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-royal-marines-on-nordic-responseRoyal Marines at the tip of the NATO spear on major Arctic exercise<p>As part of the Royal Navy’s amphibious task group (known as Littoral Response Group (North)) designed to react to crises in northern Europe’s waterways and chokepoints, small teams of raiders from the UK’s elite Commando Forces landed ashore to conduct reconnaissance on key routes, towns and beaches to relay information back NATO headquarters to lay plans on where best to deploy the main punch of the alliance’s forces.</p> <p>The Commandos, led by strike teams of Royal Marines of Arbroath-based 45 Commando, tracked down ‘enemy’ technology used to deny access to airspace and airwaves, creating favourable conditions for armour and aircraft to enter the region.</p> <p>These missions were during Exercise Nordic Response as part of Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest military drills in Europe in a generation, which test allies’ ability to reinforce the continent’s frontiers from North America and across the Atlantic in the face of an aggressor.</p> <p>Nordic Response focused on amphibious landings on Norway’s complex northern coastline, bringing troops across the Arctic and into NATO’s newest members Sweden and Finland with HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group, including F-35B Lightning jets, part of a potent naval force. </p> <p>Royal Marines and the Commando Force play a crucial role in this giant jigsaw puzzle of NATO strength (some 20,000 troops from 12 nations took part in Nordic Response alone) firstly as the UK’s experts in Arctic warfare – deploying to Northern Norway every year to sharpen skills in surviving, moving and fighting in this inhospitable environment, but are also a specialist force able to strike along complex coastlines and open up strategically important zones. </p> <p>“This exercise was an excellent opportunity to work alongside NATO partners to deter Russia is the High North,” said Commanding Officer of 45 Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Nixon.</p> <p>“The exercise demonstrated the operational utility of Littoral Response Group (North), one of the Royal Navy’s amphibious task groups, in a warfighting context. </p> <p>“The Littoral Response Group enabled the United Kingdom’s Commando Forces, who are the UK’s leading experts in Arctic and mountainous environments, to find and destroy anti-access/area denial systems that allowed NATO to gain access to northern Norway. </p> <p>“The Royal Navy is learning lessons from Ukraine and is adapting and upgrading its forces to ensure they are as potent as possible.”</p>{B3927D2A-8F74-4605-84BA-EDD12301E257}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/20240314-ww1-vc-soldWW1 Naval hero's VC sold for £220k<p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>For only the second time in more than a century the decoration, won by Lieutenant Commander Edgar Cookson in 1915, came on the market at auction.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"> </p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;">And as in 1977, when it was last auctioned, it was snapped up by a private collector who paid the maximum fee London auctioneers Noonans, who expected the medal to fetch between £180,000 and £220,000.</p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>Mark Quayle, Noonans’ medal specialist and associate director was not surprised.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>“The rarity of the award, and the repeated acts of gallantry, are all reflected in the price achieved on the day," he said.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>Of the four dozen Victoria Cross recipients in the Royal Navy in the Great War, neither the name Cookson nor his deeds are as well known as household names such as Jack Cornwell at Jutland or submarine Edward Boyle, or actions such as the Gallipoli landings or Zeebrugge Raid.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>They deserve to be.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>In September 1915 the 31-year-old officer, originally from Tranmere in present-day Merseyside, led a force of gunboats up the River Tigris as part of an effort to support British troops grappling with the Ottoman Empire in Mesopotamia (today Iraq).</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>By the end of the month, British soldiers were bearing down on the town of Kut-al-Amara – just 100 miles southeast of Baghdad.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>The British drive on what is today the capital of Iraq relied on supplies via the Tigris, but Turkish forces had thrown a series of barriers across the river to block any traffic.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>On September 28, Cookson in HMS Comet was sent to reconnoitre – and, if he could, destroy – one such obstruction near Kut. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>As the gunboat flotilla </span><span>approached the barrier, it came under ferocious rifle and machine-gun fire from both banks.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>When the first attempt to sink a dhow in the middle of the flow was thwarted by defensive fire, Cookson ordered the Comet to be placed alongside the vessel. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>He then jumped on to the dhow with an axe and tried to cut the wire hawsers connecting it with the two other craft forming the obstruction. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>His action drew intense Turkish fire and Edgar Cookson was cut down – one fellow officer said “there were more bullet holes in him than they cared to count”.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>Cookson’s selfless actions earned him Britain’s highest decoration, presented to his mother in November 1916 by George V.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span></span><span style="text-align: left;">Her son was buried in Amara War Cemetery, but the grave was subsequently destroyed, and his name is now among those listed on the cemetery wall. He is also commemorated in the UK with a plaque in Whitechurch Canonicorum in Dorset.</span></p>{C3EE2372-61E7-4106-9409-CF0C24F7C70F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/240313-harrier-in-the-gulfAutonomous minehunting test team mark one year in the Gulf<p>The Mine and Threat Exploitation Group’s Operational Evaluation Unit has spent the past year in the Middle East testing a series of uncrewed and remote-piloted systems which will one day be the future of minehunting in the Royal Navy. </p> <p>Working with Royal Navy Motor Boat Harrier and based on RFA Cardigan Bay, the team have put various pieces of equipment and technology through their paces to see how they operate and react to the climate of the Gulf and the complex missions current minehunting units carry out. </p> <p>Harrier is capable of operating both autonomously (pre-programmed to conduct a mission) or remotely from a ship or shore-based remote-control centre. She tows a side-scan sonar behind her to look for mines on the seabed, alerting units ashore or at sea of their whereabouts. </p> <p>As part of the trials she has also been working with remotely-operated underwater vehicles and a minesweeping system.</p> <p>In a fruitful first year for the Operational Evaluation Unit, the team has integrated and deployed Harrier from Cardigan Bay, a shore control base at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain and Sandown and Hunt-class minehunters. </p> <p>Lieutenant Alex Gibby, MTXG Group Engineering Officer, said: “We have gained valuable experience in the deployment and operation of Harrier to provide lessons ahead of the main roll-out of Mine Hunting Capability Block 1 systems.</p> <p>“We have also begun to establish the infrastructure and logistical support required to operate autonomous minehunting systems at reach.”  </p> <br />{8964FDBF-E47D-4067-87A2-BEC6CFAC1599}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/20240313-1sl-pays-tribute-to-a-living-symbol-of-the-bond-between-the-royal-and-french-naviesFirst Sea Lord pays tribute to a ‘living symbol’ of the bond between the Royal and French Navies<p><span style="background: white;">The future admiral was studying at the École navale – the French equivalent of Dartmouth – in Brest when the Germans invaded his country in May 1940.</span><span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> </span><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The teenage de Gaulle fled to the UK by ship and joined the Free French Naval Forces, serving extensively at sea and in the air – he was also a trained pilot – after completing his training jointly with his own navy and at Britannia Royal Naval College.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">As a junior officer, he served in the Atlantic, Arctic and Channel, took part in the Dieppe raid in August 1942, flew from Royal Navy carrier HMS Indomitable and conducted anti-submarine patrols with Catalina flying boats operating from Morocco.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Those actions were just the beginning of a remarkable career – and a life, like his father’s, dedicated to the service of his country, freedom and Western values. At the admiral’s 100<sup>th</sup> birthday in December 2021, French President Macron called him “one of the great servants of our country” and said of his life: “There are lives where the history of France can be read even better than in books.”</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">So when Allied forces landed in Normandy in 1944, Philippe de Gaulle led a platoon of French naval infantry, <em>fusiliers marins,</em> in 2nd Armoured Division, fighting with them from the Channel to the Vosges mountains on the French-German border, taking part in the liberation of Paris and Strasbourg. He was wounded in action six times, but always returned to the fray.</span></p>{F1E227E5-24B3-408B-A9D0-9C878F0612BB}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/240313-richmond-completes-red-sea-mission-as-diamond-resumes-patrolsRichmond completes Red Sea mission as Diamond resumes patrols<p>The Plymouth-based frigate took over Operation Prosperity Guardian duties from the Portsmouth destroyer at the beginning of February.</p> <p>The international operation provides protection and reassurance to commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea in particular, where attacks by Houthi rebels with missiles and drones have increased five fold since the autumn and the Israeli-Gaza conflict.</p> <p>Like their comrades on Diamond before her, Richmond’s 200-strong crew – sailors, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm personnel responsible for the frigate’s Wildcat helicopter – have been heavily engaged, demanding long hours at Action Stations/increased readiness, which means wearing anti-flash clothing, stress, snatching quick meals when they can, and lack of sleep.</p> <p>Diamond during her patrols over Christmas and January was called upon to take action against aerial threats.</p> <p>Richmond wasn’t… until the weekend when her Sea Ceptor system was required to down two incoming Houthi drones – the first time the missile system (mainstay of the current and future frigate fleet) has been used in anger.</p> <p>Take hostile 6255. Take hostile 7357.</p> <p>Ceptor engaging.</p> <p>Unlike Sea Viper on HMS Diamond, there’s no flash of fire on the bridge to signify missile away.</p> <p>Instead, a loud whoosh – high pressure gas forces Sea Ceptor out of its silo in the ‘mushroom farm’ on the Type 23’s forecastle before the rocket kicks in at a safe distance from the ship so the flames don’t cause any damage.</p> <p>Once the solid-fuelled rocket motor kicked in, the missile rapidly accelerated up to Mach 3 towards its target, a ‘kill’ which took fewer than ten seconds.<br /> Targets destroyed.</p> <p>Having handed over responsibilities to Diamond, Richmond is paying a short visit to Saudi Arabia before returning home to Plymouth.<br /> Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for their incredible work and am confident that HMS Diamond will continue to stand up for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.</p> <p>“The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners.”</p> <p>Diamond has spent the period out of theatre in Gibraltar, restocking ammunition and supplies, undergoing maintenance and allowing down time for her crew, many of whom flew home to the UK having missed Christmas/New Year with their families due to the mission in the Red Sea.</p>{63FC8DBF-2711-40BE-86C1-040821EF7E5E}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/12/240312-csg-completes-joint-warriorCarrier Strike Group success as task group completes UK phase of NATO exercise<p>The Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is now operating around the ice-cold Norwegian fjords after successfully completing Joint Warrior. </p> <p>The aircraft carrier was joined by more than 30 ships, four submarines, multiple aircraft from maritime patrol to F-35 Lightning jets and more than 20,000 personnel from nations including Canada, Denmark, France and Spain. </p> <p>Joint Warrior is one part of NATO’s biggest exercise in a generation – Steadfast Defender. It was the UK-led phase of the exercise which saw surface, air and land scenarios played out to see how NATO nations and allied partners can work closely and react to hostilities. </p> <p>The Royal Navy’s Joint Exercise Training and Planning Staff (JTEPS) plans, delivers and executes such training with the aim of making it as real to life as possible.</p> <p>Commodore Andrew Ingham, Commander Fleet Operational Standards and Training, said: “JTEPS, as the formation level training arm of FOST, deliver high end and realistic multi-domain warfare training to UK, NATO and partner nation Maritime Task groups.</p> <p>“By conducting large scale multinational exercises, such as Nordic Response, JTEPS are able to strive for maximum lethality and readiness.”</p> <p>He added: ‘’Through careful planning, effective orchestrating and detailed evaluation we are able to ensure that the alliance’s most powerful naval assets are consistently challenged against realistic and credible threat scenarios. </p> <p>“Their work supporting the largest NATO exercise in 50 years is absolutely crucial to ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges and threats of modern era.”</p>{B25CC953-2988-467D-8C40-A9C3AC5B8497}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/11/11032024-heavy-metal-legend-on-stage-with-royal-marines-band-for-the-first-timeMaiden performance: Heavy metal legend on stage with Royal Marines Band for the first time<p class="p1" style="margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px;"><strong>The world-famous Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines played their spectacular annual showpiece at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night for the 52nd year.</strong></p> <p class="p1" style="margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px;"><strong> </strong></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">In front of a packed Royal Albert Hall, the Band – whose members are among the world’s finest military musicians – opened the show with the national anthem in honour of His Majesty the King, who is also Captain General of the Royal Marines.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">The stunning night of pageantry celebrated the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines, recognising 360 years of global deployments, battle honours and a valuable presence across the world.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">Musician Issie Chadwick, first time performer at the Mountbatten Festival of Music, said: “This is my first time performing at the Royal Albert Hall, and although I’m not front and centre for my first song, I haven’t really done many solos before. This will be one of my first solos on one of the world’s biggest stages.”</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">A highlight from the evening was the collaboration between the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) and Nicko McBrain, the drummer from legendary heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. Nicko played his own drum kit, named Legacy of Royals, alongside the Massed Band and Corps of Drums for the piece The Maiden Legacy, a medley of Iron Maiden’s most popular songs. His drumkit will now be sold at auction in order to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity and the Grand Order of Water Rats Charity.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">When asked about his collaboration with RMBS, Nicko said: “I was so stoked. It was suggested “would you like to do next years [Mountbatten Festival of Music]” and I went “of course I’d love to do it!”, what an honour, a great honour to be asked and to be involved.”</p> <br /> <br />{FB43E952-6DA2-4E99-B1E7-40F9287049FF}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/240308-london-tech-bridge-iwdRoyal Navy tech team present cutting-edge solutions to challenges faced by female sailors<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The London Tech Bridge, a collaboration between the Royal Navy and US Navy to source technology in the UK, hosted the Royal Navy Servicewomen’s Network today for an engagement event as part of International Women’s Day.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Every month the London Tech Bridge invites various companies to discuss how their technologies might solve a particular challenge faced by the navy in what has become known as ‘Tea & Tech’.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">With casual conversation and an informal atmosphere, it brings industry together with experts to generate a dialogue toward solving problems. </span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The Royal Navy and its US counterparts invited serving female personnel to give their opinions on how technology can help them overcome challenges they face while serving, generate the problems they face, serve as the subject-matter experts and lead the Tea & Tech discussion.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Its aim was to encourage greater female engagement in the development of technology and highlight how the Royal Navy is driving forward with investment in novel solutions through engagement with small to medium enterprises all over the UK.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Personnel from all ranks and rates from across the Royal Navy attended the event including sailors from RNAS Culdrose, HMS Raleigh and HMS Excellent.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The relationship between the UK and USA was further reinforced with two American exchange officers present who serve with the Royal Navy in Navy Command.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The Naval Servicewomen’s Network had identified its greatest areas of concern centred on the challenges around health and fitness for women serving at sea.</span></p>{A0C25A67-9ACC-416B-9AAD-4365C1981971}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-row-of-the-valkyries-all-female-team-plan-to-make-history-rowing-atlanticRow of the Valkyries: all-female team plan to make history rowing Atlantic<p>The team – known collectively as the Valkyries – face 3,000 miles of open seas and competition from around three dozen other teams as they take on the World’s Toughest Row.</p> <p>It’s the fourth time a Royal Navy team has taken part in the row in five years under the banner of the HMS Oardacious initiative which looks to support the mental health of fellow sailors and their families.</p> <p>The sailors – skipper Izzy Rawlinson (a marine engineer in submarines), mine clearance diver Ali Aindow, Aaby Aldridge who maintains survival equipment, pilot Lily-Mae Fisher and warfare officer Nic Hall – plan to set off from San Sebastien de la Gomera in the Canaries on December 12… and row into Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua around five weeks later.</p> <p>The team – who are also coached/managed by a female sailor, helicopter observer (navigator/sensors and weapons specialist) Alex Kelley – will row in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, all day every day.</p> <p>The rowers will suffer salt sores, blisters, sleep deprivation, sea sickness, 40ft waves and scorching tropical sunshine as they push themselves to the limit – driven by the goal not merely of completing the epic challenge, but also of beating an all-female British Army team also taking part in the race.</p> <p>Beyond the physical and mental strains the event will place on the team, above all the rowers hope it will inspire girls and young women.</p> <p>“We hope to portray ordinary women doing something extraordinary and to showcase that as hard as something could be, tomorrow is a different day,” said skipper Izzy.</p> <p>“If I could make someone’s life slightly better by them looking at me and thinking, if she can do it then I can get definitely out of this, I can definitely make it through to the other side, then that’s good enough for me.</p> <p>“It gives us the opportunity to promote women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and advocate for mental health, wellness and resilience.”</p>{1A23468F-2295-4309-83BF-DF5A8F029255}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/240308-protector-completes-antarctic-missionRoyal Navy ice patrol ship completes Antarctic mission<p>The ship covered 7,000 nautical miles during its annual foray in the frozen continent, helping scientific research and environmental efforts in one of the world’s most remote and inhospitable regions.<br /> <br /> The mission – known as Operation Austral – upholds the UK’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty, protecting this precious place from harm. <br /> <br /> Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Tom Weaver said: “We are reminded every day by the stunning wildlife and environment that surrounds us. Operating in Antarctica is a rare privilege.<br /> <br /> “I’m delighted that we were able to use Protector’s many capabilities to support Antarctic research and uphold the UK’s role within the Antarctic Treaty system.”<br /> <br /> During the deployment, Protector was joined by two University of Portsmouth Professors who collected water and rock samples which will contribute to understanding the human impact that increasing levels of shipping and tourism are having on this delicate region.<br /> <br /> Sailors delivered 4.5 tonnes of conservation supplies to Port Lockroy and Detaille Island to help UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) members complete structural works on the historic buildings there. <br /> <br /> The Plymouth-based ship eventually delivered aviation fuel to The British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) logistics centre at Rothera, which is essential for supporting their two aircraft that shuttle scientists to remote field study sites.<br /> <br /> Two penguin scientists from Oceanites joined Protector and researched over five penguin colonies counting over 10,000 penguins evaluating vital research on Antarctic penguin populations in support of climate science.<br /> <br /> While surveying Antarctic waters, HMS Protector observed wildlife, recording data on species, numbers, behaviours and locations.<br /> <br /> During the latest survey, the ship documented 74 fur seals, 26 sei whales, 161 humpback whales, 25 fin whales, 18 killer whales, and even one reported sighting of an albino whale.<br /> <br /> Continuing her conservation work, HMS Protector contributed to preserving the pristine Antarctic environment by collecting three tonnes of waste leftover from previous missions at Brabant Island.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, the ship recovered 1.8 tonnes of stores for UKAHT as part of their heritage conservation work.<br /> <br /> The deployment also focused on updating charts and improving navigational safety of Antarctic waters, with Protector surveying and collecting over 1,500 nautical miles of data using their Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES). </p>{4EC41F4F-4850-4B18-B18B-A6F641CBC2D4}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-subhunting-aircrewman-honoured-by-family-of-tragic-predecessorSub-hunting aircrewman honoured by family of tragic predecessor <p>Leading Aircrewman Ian Marchment was one of five aircrew killed when two Sea King helicopters collided and crashed into the sea on March 6, 1981. They were both flying in poor visibility from aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.</p> <p>All five crew – Lieutenant Commander David Roue, Lieutenant Paul Littleton, Sub-Lieutenant Robert Bateman and Sub-Lieutenant Marcus McDonald plus Ian – were serving with 820 Naval Air Squadron based now, as then, at RNAS Culdrose.</p> <p>Joined by her the couple’s son Peter Marchment, who was just eight months old when his father was killed, Ian’s widow Heather Brown laid a wreath to remember all five men when the family returned to the Cornish air station to present a trophy awarded in the aircrewman’s name.</p> <p>“I’ve had mixed emotions,” said Mrs Brown, reflecting on her return to Helston. “I am proud to have been able to do it and proud for my family to be a part of that. I always wanted to return to the base, but it has been emotional coming back.</p> <p>“I know Ian was happy when he died, doing a job he loved. Yes, the accident might not have happened, but he knew – and lived with – those risks. It is something I think about but you have to live for today.”</p> <p>Immediately following the tragedy, a trophy was created at Culdrose in memory of LACMN Marchment for the Sea King Force, which Mrs Brown presented the following year.</p> <p>With Sea Kings have passed into history, but the Marchment trophy has been revived by their successor, the Merlin Helicopter Force.</p> <p>It was presented by Peter Marchment to the Merlin aircrewman who has shown outstanding performance in anti-submarine warfare operations over the past year: Petty Officer Aircrewman Nathan Allen for his role with 814 Naval Air Squadron’s Mohawk Flight in locating and tracking submarines during live operations.</p> <p>Mr Marchment, who was accompanied by his wife and children, said it was moving to be back in a place where his father worked and lived all those years ago.</p> <div> </div>{678320F7-7A48-4498-9CB5-1F6AC12E45E3}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-fjord-focus-navys-smallest-craft-join-natos-biggest-exerciseFjord focus – Navy’s smallest craft join NATO’s biggest exercise<p>Patrol boats HMS Biter, Blazer, Exploit and Trumpeter have completed a month-long voyage from their base in Portsmouth to venture further north than any of their class – above the 70th Parallel – have gone in 35 years’ service.</p> <p>After a journey of nearly 2,200 miles from their home in Portsmouth, the quartet are ready to play their part supporting NATO raiding forces deep in the Arctic Circle as the first phase of the alliance’s huge winter exercise Steadfast Defender reaches its climax over the next week in the fjords, valleys and small towns and villages of Norway’s Finnmark and Troms districts.</p> <p>While it takes a few days for most participating ships – Royal Navy involvement is led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales – to sail from Portsmouth to the exercise area, it’s been an epic of logistics, planning and engineering to send the fast patrol craft to the Arctic,<br /> The boats are designed for operating in coastal waters – usually at sea by day, returning to port at night, although they can be out longer, but never more than a few days.</p> <p>As a result the four boats have ‘hopped’ from port to port on their epic journey to the Arctic, first via Ramsgate, Scheveningen and Den Helder (Netherlands), then the island of Helgoland off Germany’s North Sea coast and Esbjerg and Thyboron in Denmark.</p> <p>And then into Norway, gradually making their way up the west coast from Kristiansand in the southwest to north of Tromsø deep inside the Arctic (calling in for fuel and supplies along the way at: Egersund, Stavanger, Bergen, Florø, Måløy, Alesund, Kristiansund, Trondheim, Sandnessjøen, and Harstad).</p> <p>Lieutenant ‘Teddy’ Bradley, the Royal Navy exchange officer to the Royal Norwegian Navy said having completed the journey, the small boats had an important role to play in the exercise.</p> <p>‘Deploying four Archer Class to the Arctic is some challenge. Successfully integrating them and their support team into a well-established and specialist force like the Norwegian Coastal Rangers, and achieving operational success is another level entirely.</p> <p>“It’s a real demonstration to our adversaries of what NATO can do even with the most unlikely combination of resources.”</p> <p>Engineer Lieutenant Jack Meggs is part of the specialist staff supporting the deployment to the Arctic.</p> <div> </div>{46AA7CC7-E385-412D-83DA-49EF27C8BE39}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/07/240307-navy-advances-trials-with-podsRoyal Navy tech office showcases latest deployment units<p>With the help of a diverse range of end-users, the Office for the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) has been researching and trialling the use of more than a dozen different configurations of PODS to enable ships and shore-based units to do experiments and take on a variety of different roles.<br /> <br /> Although navy ships have a core use (Type 45s are air defence specialists while Type 23 frigates are experts in anti-submarine warfare), they have the ability to be deployed where needed and to a variety of operations.<br /> <br /> But getting the ship prepared and ready, such as taking on supplies or additional equipment, can take time. OCTO and others have been working to make this process smoother and more efficient with the use of PODS - a container and payload which is designed and built to suit one or more specific tasks or missions. </p> <p>Similarly, units deployed to austere and expeditionary locations stand to benefit from the availability and use of PODS personalised to support their activities, whether experimental or operational.<br /> <br /> During a demonstration day held at Portsdown Technology Park near Portsmouth, OCTO showcased a number of PODS including a medical unit, an autonomous drone unit, a mine counter measures unit and a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility).<br /> <br /> Each one had been kitted out and constructed to fit its role, for example the MedPODs have the same equipment and systems as a deployed advanced medical bay. With it on board, a ship would be able to administer anaesthesia, do X-rays and undertake complex surgery.<br />  <br /> Meanwhile, other containers on show can host a variety of uncrewed air systems including heavy lift quadcopters such as the Malloy T150 and T400 and a Command and Control (C2) centre to for the operation of drones in all three sub-domains – below the surface, on the surface and in the air.<br /> <br /> Brigadier Jaimie Roylance, the Royal Navy’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “This demonstration day has been a long time coming, and has allowed us to showcase some of what my team and a huge cast of end-users have achieved over the last 2 years to prove the concept of PODS.  <br /> <br /> “Today, we have been able to gather all sorts of stakeholders who could and should be interested in the use of PODS and that maybe would sponsor these sorts of capabilities.<br /> <br /> “We’ve also had a very good cross section of current and potential future users, whether in mine counter measures, seabed warfare or the Commando Force, brief on their interest in the PODS they’re currently using and may get in the future.<br /> <br /> “And we also have people representing the parts of the Royal Navy and DE&S who might deliver a PODS programme in the near future.”</p>{9108BAAE-C55F-48E2-9F8E-E80F52A40119}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/07/20240307-band-goes-bavarian-as-royal-marine-musicians-thank-germans-for-hospitalityBand goes Bavarian as Royal Marine Musicians thank Germans for hospitality<p>Royal Marines musicians brought seafaring tunes, Colonel Bogey and The Pink Panther theme, James Bond and Abba medleys plus Rule Britannia to the mountains of Bavaria as they thanked the local German populace for their ongoing support.</p> <p>The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre RM staged a benefit concert in Bad Hindelang, a small community in the Allgäu region to mark a 20-year friendship.</p> <p>For two decades the district, about 80 miles southwest of Munich, has hosted first Royal Marines adventurous training then, since 2009, the heavily-used Naval Outdoor Centre Germany.</p> <p>The centre occupies a four-star hotel, from where instructors and staff have provided AT opportunities to thousands of Royal Navy personnel and their families: rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and klettersteiging in the summer, skiing in winter, for people of all abilities.</p> <p>An audience some 500-strong packed into the Kurhaus community centre to hear 42 members of the CTCRM band, led by Major Ian Davis and Colour Sergeant Matt Green entertain them for over two hours with an eclectic mix of military, classical and pop music.</p> <p>There’s nothing quite like the sound of the Royal Marines Band in the Alps – Allgäuers are more likely to listen to local brass bands.</p> <p>"This concert was an excellent opportunity for the band members to perform to a new, very appreciative audience, and to support the defence engagement mission of the staff of the Naval Outdoor Centre Germany,” said Major Davis.</p> <p>Although the event was free, guests were invited to make donations – split equally between the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (£2,198) and good causes in the Allgäu.</p> <p>What did Bavarians think of the performance?</p> <p>“A gala concert with a unique atmosphere. Great! Thanks for coming. And please do it again,” one told the military musicians.</p> <div> </div>{7FAB4037-53B6-46AB-B477-1D82DF3C5811}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/05/20240305-masters-of-disaster-yeovilton-trains-for-worst-case-scenario-with-local-emergency-servicesMasters of disaster Yeovilton trains for worst case scenario with local emergency services<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">It sounds like something out of a Hollywood disaster movie… or the stuff of nightmares.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">In fact it was the scenario played out by base and local emergency services to test the ability of all to deal with a major incident at RNAS Yeovilton.</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">The base can call upon its own firefighters, medics and police for any initial response… supported by civilian services: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">They grappled not merely with the two accidents – a lorry jack-knifed on the road, several cars to simulate stopped traffic and training smoke to bring the scenario to life – but also live ‘casualties’ which made a huge difference to the training, accurately capturing the chaos of a real-life incident.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424;">“The presence of role-playing casualties enhanced the authenticity of the scene,” said Yeovilton’s fire station manager Chief Petty Officer Tom Meechan.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424; color: #242424; color: #242424;">“Injuries suffered ranged from burns and fractures to smoke inhalation, necessitating the evacuation of some individuals using specialised equipment.”</span></p>{91B2BE70-3A1B-49B8-A2CF-07D679E450A9}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/04/20240304-knives-out-and-combat-sports-in-as-navy-extends-youth-initiative-to-manchesterKnives out – and combat sports in as Navy extends youth initiative to Manchester<p>Organisers promised if their inaugural event in Stockton earlier this year was a success, they’d look at linking up with gyms elsewhere in northern England.</p> <p>Step forward Wythenshawe Black Belt Academy in the heart of one of Manchester’s largest districts which hosted a combat sports session.</p> <p>Around 30 youngsters attended the inaugural session, with RN Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and the Marines’ unarmed combat team showing how to channel aggression and energy to the benefit of society via sport… and also open young people’s eyes to a career in the Forces, particularly in areas which have not proved rich recruiting grounds hitherto.</p> <p>Warrant Officer 2 Dennis Harrison said the gym was selected on the basis of its existing work with the community to offer local young people an alternative to crime, gang culture, knives, guns and other weapons.  </p> <p>Although a concerted effort by authorities, police, community groups and gyms such as the Black Belt Academy has cut attacks and incidents across Greater Manchester by around one sixth in the past 12 months, there are still around ten knife crimes a day in the urban area.</p> <p>As with the session in Teesside, Dennis hopes the combat sport sessions can become a regular fixture in the Wythenshawe sporting calendar.</p> <p>"We want to build on the work of gyms like this one and maintain relationships with the authorities rather than this being a one-off,” said Dennis, who’s based at the Armed Forces Career Office in Manchester.</p> <p>"If young people can come to gyms like this – and others – they can get their aggression out safely in the gym. That’s far better than the alternative.</p> <p>“The values at the heart of martial arts and combat sports – courage, self-discipline and respect for others – are very much in line with our ethos in the Navy and Royal Marine.”</p>{14A020B5-E762-4169-B423-FC4FCA7F855F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/04/240304-trent-300m-drug-bustsRoyal Navy seizes nearly £300m of drugs in the Caribbean Sea<p>British sailors, Royal Marines and a US Coast Guard team on HMS Trent intercepted a suspected smuggling speedboat south of the US Virgin Islands.<br /> <br /> The smugglers began jettisoning their illegal cargo as they fled towards land, but Trent, her fast sea boats and an American patrol aircraft gave chase – eventually recovering 94 bales of class-a narcotics, weighing 2,757kg and worth £220.56m.<br /> <br /> This was HMS Trent’s second drugs bust in the space of three weeks, having seized £70.1m of cocaine in a separate operation in January – pouncing as darkness fell as smugglers tried to escape.<br /> <br /> A high-octane chase ensued under moonlight as the smugglers tried to offload their illegal cargo, but Royal Marines coxswains and the USCG boarding team closed in, took control of the vessel and detained four crew members.<br /> <br /> As the sun rose, Trent’s 60-strong crew scoured the ocean for the abandoned cargo, eventually retrieving 29 bales of cocaine weighing in at 876kg after an extensive ten-hour search across 24 square miles.<br /> <br /> A marine, of Plymouth-based 47 Commando, who cannot be named for operational reasons, was driving one of the pursuing sea boats.<br /> <br /> “This was a challenging operation and required us to push the boats to their limit,” he said. <br /> <br /> “Despite their best efforts to evade us, and with our boats and the ship bearing down on them at speed, the 38ft go-fast finally gave up the chase and we were able to get alongside and enable members of the US Coast Guard to seize the vessel.”</p>{E2C24C95-407B-46A7-B025-C49E31247860}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/20240301-hms-victorious-560m-refit-to-ready-her-for-future-operationsHMS Victorious’ £560m refit to ready her for future operations<p><span style="background: white;">Babcock and the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency have agreed a contract worth an estimated £560m to deliver the planned deep maintenance and future-proofing of the Vanguard-class boat.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The nuclear submarine arrived in Plymouth last year to prepare for the programme which will enable her to continue operational patrols well into the 2030s. Work on HMS Victorious is already underway.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The boat is the second Vanguard-class submarine to undergo a life extension package at Babcock’s Devonport facility.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">She and the rest of the Vanguard fleet are key components in the UK military’s longest operation - Operation Relentless. Since 1969, at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine is maintaining the continuous at sea deterrent posture at all times, deterring the most extreme threats to the UK and our way of life.</span></p>{6F7E1E9F-21A3-431A-8888-D99BBDD58D67}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/240301-hms-st-albans-sailsFrigate HMS St Albans returns to sea after massive revamp in Plymouth<p>The Type 23 warship left Devonport Naval Base today on the first stage of her regeneration to return her to front line duties later this year.</p> <p>She’ll spend the next few weeks flashing up her systems and testing her improved/refurbished machinery in the Channel to ensure all the work which has been carried out is effective.</p> <p>The ship’s 178-strong crew moved back aboard in mid-November, since when they’ve been working hand-in-hand with contractors and engineers from defence firm Babcock, which has overseen the entire refit programme, to prepare The Saint to move under her own power for the first time since 2019.</p> <p>“Going back to sea is a huge milestone. Today is the result of a real team effort where Ship’s Company, Babcock, other specialist contractors, shore-based support organisations, Devonport Naval Base and even some people from other Devonport-based ships have come together to help us transition from engineering project back to being a warship,” said HMS St Albans’ Commanding Officer Commander Helen Coxon. </p> <p>“Whether it is the first day at sea – as is the case for many of our less experienced sailors – or returning back to where we feel at home for the more experienced, today is a big day and we’d like to thank all those involved in making it happen.”</p> <p>After nearly 20 years of constant service in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Gulf, St Albans arrived in Plymouth in 2019 to begin preparations for the refit, known as the life extension (LIFEX) upgrade.</p> <p>The upgrade will help carry the class of Duke-class frigate into the middle of the next decade, while their successors – the Type 26 City-class currently under construction on the Clyde – enter service.</p> <p>Revamping the 23s been a massive undertaking stretching back a decade. Work on HMS St Albans alone has demanded more than 1.2 million working hours by sailors, civilian engineers and shipwrights, software specialists and many more.</p> <p>Around 350 structural enhancements to strengthen the ship and allow her to carry new equipment have been carried out, demanding more than four kilometres of welding.</p> <p>All four diesel generators were replaced, meaning the ship can produce more power, the main engines removed, overhauled, and reinserted—a complex engineering feat, and a first for her project team.</p> <p>More than two dozen new pumps with four kilometres of pipework have been fitted, and some 10,000 square metres of paintwork refreshed – that’s the size of a football pitch.</p> <p>She’s now more efficient, more reliable, and brighter, and living quarters overhauled to give them a fresh look and better meet the needs of sailors in the 2020s (more plugs, USB ports etc).</p> <p>As a war machine, St Albans emerges from the revamp as a far more potent warship: all weapons and sensors have been upgraded, not least the installation of the Sea Ceptor air defence system which can provide protection to an area the size of Greater Manchester against incoming threats in the skies.</p> <p>One magazine has been adapted for the new Martlet missile which has recently entered service with the Fleet Air Arm, and aviation facilities enhanced to support the latest variants of Merlin, Wildcat and most NATO maritime helicopters. </p> <p>As a dedicated submarine hunter, the ship has been fitted with Sonar 2150 in place of 2050, which can detect underwater threats at greater range and is easier to operate.</p> <p>After the initial trials in the Channel, St Albans will return to base for any necessary tweaks to the work carried out in refit, before starting her work-up to becoming fully operational again, which culminates with Operational Sea Training off Plymouth.</p> <p>Just one Type 23 frigate is left to complete the LIFEX programme: HMS Sutherland, which is currently in Devonport’s frigate refit complex.</p>{98AAF30F-BD22-4D68-B53E-553079AF92E0}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/240301-spey-in-philippinesSpey’s visit to Manila ensures UK-Philippine ties are ‘only going to grow’<p>The Philippines Armed Forces are going through a massive modernisation programme, Re-Horizon 3, which includes improving the ability to work together with allied and partner nations.</p> <p>The patrol ship’s visit to the Philippines capital coincided with 13 of the UK’s leading defence firms such as BAE Systems, Thales and Leonardo showcasing their equipment and systems to hosts.</p> <p>Crew took part in a string of professional and social interactions with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and local community, including a friendly game of football and 5-a-side matches at the Philippine Marine Corps Barracks in Fort Bonifacio. </p> <p>Staging the games was aided by ten football coaches from Football for Humanity, a UK-based ‘sport for development’ charity which uses football-focused interventions to tackle complex social issues.</p> <p>The ship’s company hosted tours for Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard personnel, including officers who had recently graduated from a maritime planning course delivered by the Royal Navy in Manila in early February. </p> <p>“It’s been excellent to visit Manila and improve our ability to work together with colleagues from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard,” said Commander Paul Caddy, Spey’s Commanding Officer.</p> <p>“This is part of an increasing level of engagement. With Spey recently taking part in the multinational Exercise Sama Sama for the second time, it is clear that the relationship is only going to grow.</p> <p>“The UK and Philippines firmly believe in, and promote the rules-based international system; we share an interest in upholding international maritime law and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific."</p> <div> </div>{036DD34E-8F28-44CB-BB2B-8626BF5968F1}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/29/240229-lake-district-rescueRoyal Marines help fallen climber in the Lake District<p>Lieutenant Colonel Mick Trafford and veteran Tris Finn were planning to summit Blencathra via Sharp Edge on the second day of their trip to the national park, but were told by a fellow climber that someone had fallen into a gully and that the Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) from Keswick had been called.</p> <p>Sizing up the situation and drawing on vast commando experience and training, Tris and Mick determined they were able to reach the fallen climber – despite extremely slippery conditions. </p> <p>On getting to the female casualty, nothing immediately indicated anything life-threatening, but she’d temporarily lost consciousness in the fall and had sustained a number of other injuries. </p> <p>Drawing on their training, experience and emergency equipment in their daysacks, Mick provided casualty care, including treatment for shock and prevention of hypothermia, whilst Tris coordinated with the Mountain Rescue Team and the paramedic at the MRT’s base. </p> <p>The pair knew they weren’t equipped to extract a casualty from this precarious position, and that it would be a number of hours until MRT arrived, so settled in, monitored the casualty and helped keep her spirits up.</p> <p>“The casualty had taken a really nasty fall in difficult conditions,” said Mick, who is Commanding Officer of Royal Marines Reserve Bristol.</p> <p>“She was fortunate to have been able to arrest herself where she did. </p> <p>“Once we understood the situation, it was immediately clear that without assistance she’d be in increasing danger as time passed waiting for the MRT. </p> <p>“Tris and I formed a quick plan and from there experience, training and a bit of decision-making was all that was needed. </p> <p>“Delivering casualty care in such precarious conditions is pretty demanding. </p> <p>“Tris and I have been oppos for more than twenty years – I couldn’t have picked a better person to be with on the day. </p> <p>“Subsequently, we’ve been delighted and relieved to learn that the lady who fell will make a full recovery.”</p> <p>Tris, who left service as a Major in 2022 and is now a history teacher at Colyton Grammar School in Devon, added: “Mick and I were just glad we were able to help, and keep her comfortable and reassured until the MRT arrived. From a personal perspective, it was an incredibly valuable learning experience that thankfully ended well.”</p> <p>After about two and a half hours the vanguard of the MRT arrived. The first of the team in the gully brought additional medical equipment, and began making an assessment of the best extraction option. </p> <p>Shortly thereafter Tris was able to climb from the gully on a top rope set up by the mountain rescuers, but as Mick was built into the casualty’s platform, and had been leading her care thus far the MRT in the gully were keen to keep hold of him to assist with the casualty.</p> <p>About 30-40 minutes later, the necessary high anchors were in place to bring in the extraction stretcher. </p> <p>As this came down into the gully, they began to prepare the casualty for extraction, including dressing wounds, pain relief and pelvic splinting. </p> <p>Loading the injured walker on to the stretcher allowed Mick to get out of the gully with some of the MRT, to be reunited with Tris. </p> <p>As the stretcher and casualty were lowered into the re-entrant below, and the remainder of the MRT extracted, Tris and Mick were able to gather up (most) of their kit and make their way back off the hill. </p> <p>“Not quite the day we’d planned,” Mick said. “But definitely right place, right time.”</p>{0B15FD2F-F3C0-4089-A456-DC23C2E49BCD}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/27/20240227-hms-spey-and-gurkhas-benefit-from-brunei-link-upHMS Spey and Gurkhas benefit from Brunei link-up<p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Those were the questions posed by HMS Spey and the elite rifle regiment, who are now formally bound.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The two agreed an affiliation when the patrol ship visited Brunei to improve sea-land integration.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo is home to a permanent British military presence: an army garrison (1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles – typically shortened to 1 RGR), the Jungle Warfare School and a supporting RAF Squadron, 230, and its Puma helicopters.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Gurkhas took Spey’s protection force – who defend the ship against potential unwanted/hostile boarders, as well as supporting board-and-search operations – to their close-quarters training area at Tuker Lines barracks to practise clearing techniques.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">That visit was reciprocated when a group from 1 RGR visited Spey to understand more about her mission, general life at sea and discuss future joint training opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">“It was an excellent opportunity to test and develop our skills in an urban environment. It is a great opportunity to work with the Gurkhas and improve our ability to train together,” said Leading Weapon Engineering Technician Ben Smythe.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Spey – and her sister HMS Tamar which is also deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific theatre – has substantial capacity for carrying a Gurkha (or commando/regular army) detachment up to 50 strong.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">“The Gurkhas in Brunei are the UK’s largest and most persistent military presence in the region and have been for over 25 years,” explained Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commander British Forces Brunei.</span></p>{5CFDB29C-C679-4B51-A095-B77C6866E78B}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/29/240229-cyber-warfare-in-japanRoyal Navy combine with Japanese forces to battle cyber attacks<p>Forty-one teams from 17 nations tested their cyber defence skills during the British Army’s Defence Cyber Marvel 3 exercise in Estonia, but with an international network plugging in from across three continents. </p> <p>The Royal Navy’s cyber operations specialists based in Portsmouth are usually on the front line across the world, protecting ships and bases from threats around the clock, but were deployed to Tokyo for this valuable exercise.</p> <p>They worked closely with Ukrainian teams in 2023 while in Tallinn, but this year – for the first time – formed a joint team with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force’s Communication Security Group. </p> <p>The 22-strong team – 12 RN and 10 JMSDF – were tasked with protecting an island in the Indo-Pacific facing aggressive cyber-attacks from a ‘hostile’ nation state.</p> <p>The cyber battle – which increased in its complexity throughout – helped forge closer bonds and understanding between Japanese and British personnel as they prepare to work with each other next year as the UK deploys its Carrier Strike Group to the region.</p> <p>These skills are highly valuable given the ever-evolving attacks by hackers seen across the globe on a daily basis. </p> <p>The team battled attacks on national infrastructure amid an ongoing insurgency in this mock island state.</p> <p>Lieutenant Commander Paul Adkins, in charge of the RN team, said: “Our participation in the exercise with the Communications Support Group based in Tokyo represents a culmination of activity that only came into being last year; but has already cemented an enduring relationship with our friends in the JMSDF.</p> <p> “Together we have refined and developed joint tactics and procedures that have borne fruit now, but more importantly, will serve us well in the future, particularly as we look to provide cyber assurance to CSG deployment 2025. Here we look forward to continued engagement with the Japanese Defense Forces”. </p> <p>Leading Engineering Technician Joe Barnett said: “Being relatively new to Navy Cyber, it was an amazing experience to work with a cyber team from the Japanese Navy and I have learnt a lot throughout the exercise.</p> <p>“The opportunity to do this, whilst also being able to explore the city of Tokyo in my downtime makes me feel that I have one of the best jobs in the RN.”</p>{C1C4FD27-6959-4F26-A152-F7CC421F37CB}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/28/20240228-carl-named-best-chef-in-the-navy-for-his-global-culinary-skillsCarl named best chef in the Navy for his global culinary skills<p>No matter where the ship has been – chiefly on patrol in the North Atlantic – Carl has endeavoured to bring the world to dinnerplates, drawing upon his skill, imagination and what’s in the frigate’s pantry… although he modestly attributes the success to the team spirit and collective skills of HMS Northumberland’s catering department.</p> <p>"Being recognised with this award is a huge honour, but it really belongs to the whole galley,” said Carl, who’s originally from Haywards Heath in West Sussex but who now lives in Plymouth with his wife Marianne and daughter Eowyn.</p> <p>“We always aim to make every meal feel like a piece of home, with mealtimes a highlight of the day, making the lived experience on board a little better.</p> <p>“It has been a genuine pleasure to share my passion for cooking with everyone who visits the counter."</p> <p>The 31-year-old joined the Royal Navy nine years ago, cooked for the Queen when she paid her final visit to HMS Ocean and represented the service against the Army and RAF in the culinary arts team.</p> <p>His passion and skill in the galley particularly came to the fore last year, when Northumberland was heavily engaged on patrols in the North Atlantic – an unforgiving environment and not the easiest place to take on board fresh supplies.</p> <p>According to his citation: “His global menus bring excitement to meal times, turning them into culinary adventures and breaking the monotony of life at sea.</p> <p>“His efforts have not just showcased his culinary talents but have also connected the diverse ship’s company through their love of great food.”</p> <div> </div>{B6FA0553-46BF-44F1-B1DA-49CB73AE6B2A}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/27/20240227-naval-veterans-start-100-day-countdown-to-d-day-commemorationsNaval veterans start 100-day countdown to D-Day commemorations<p>One hundred days to June 6, D-Day veterans Stan Ford and John Roberts – aged 98 and 99 respectively – were invited to Portsmouth to add their names to a large memorial wall on Southsea’s seafront honouring those who were involved in the ‘Great Crusade’ in the summer of 1944.</p> <p>The two former sailors had never met before, but quickly struck up a rapport in front of a host of cameras recording the occasion for posterity.</p> <p>Both said adding their names to the wall of honour was both humbling – and would remind future generations of the sacrifices made by everyone involved in the effort to liberate Europe in 1944.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t say it’s a pleasure,” said Stan as he was presented with a plaque bearing his name to be added to the wall.</p> <p>“What we did was a necessary evil. I hope that young people learn about the exploits and sacrifices made in 1944 and together we make sure that it doesn’t happen again. That is my wish.”</p> <p>Mr Roberts hopes that his great grandchildren – and their contemporaries – will see his name, and others, on the wall “and learn about those who gave their lives for a free world”.</p> <p>The former sailors’ names were two of 13 from a dozen allied nations symbolically fixed on the wall at the D-Day Story museum to mark the milestone countdown.</p> <p>Come June 5 – as it was in 1944 – Portsmouth will be the hub of activity on this side of the Channel, hosting a national act of commemoration – similar in style and content to the 75th anniversary event in 2019, with a purpose-built stage hosting an event featuring D-Day veterans, music from the era, serving personnel and tributes from special guests. Proceedings will be broadcast live on TV around the globe and will feature a sail past by Royal Navy warships and fly pasts by the Red Arrows and WW2 vintage aircraft.</p> <p>Across in France on June 5, the Royal British Legion is leading a service of thanksgiving at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Cemetery in Bayeux.<br /> And on June 6 itself, for veterans, family members and the public who wish to pay tribute but are unable to make it to Normandy, there will commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.</p> <p>And in Normandy, commemorations will be concentrated at the new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer and at Bayeux Cathedral.</p> <p>These are likely to be the last formal events at which veterans of the Normandy campaign, now all in their late 90s at the youngest, will be present in numbers. As Stan succinctly put it: “There are not that many of us left now.”</p> <div> </div>{80AA3E46-A5C9-4458-AA11-89E72A5A0156}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/240226-nato-ships-join-carrier-strike-groupNATO ships join UK Carrier Strike Group for start of exercise<p>The carrier and her task force practised sailing in close formation and learned how different navies operate as they began Joint Warrior – testing the readiness of the UK Carrier Strike Group and its ability to deter threats.</p> <p>Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland and tankers RFA Tideforce and Tidespring joined Prince of Wales last week and their numbers were bolstered by Royal Canadian ship Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown; Spanish Navy Alvaro de Bazan-class air defence frigate SNS Cristobal Colon and Danish Navy Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HMDS Niels Juel. </p> <p>The close manoeuvring was a chance to test the navigation officers and bridge teams of all the ships involved, as they overcame language barriers and sailing ships of varying sizes in tight formation. </p> <p>HMS Prince of Wales is now under NATO command for the first time since 2022. </p> <p>Her navigator, Lieutenant Commander Tom Parsons, said: “Bringing together warships from different countries is always an enjoyable challenge, especially when we manoeuvre as closely as we have done so today. </p> <p>“Although we may all speak different languages day-to-day, today is proof that there is no barrier to us operating as a single Carrier Strike Group. </p> <p>“My bridge team and I are looking forward to the coming weeks as we get to know our NATO allies better as we tackle increasingly demanding exercises side by side.”</p>{1FCCCD95-8442-4A0B-B827-A932916417B0}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/240226-royal-marines-avalanche-trainingRoyal Marines work with Norwegian emergency services on avalanche rescue training<p>The eyes and ears of the UK’s Commando Force, 30 Commando’s Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron, are at the tip of the UK’s Arctic spear – designed to work ahead of the main thrust of allied forces to forge the way ahead, often deep behind enemy lines in the most inhospitable environments. </p> <p>As their name and role suggests, they also have notable skills in finding and helping casualties in a perilous position – they recently helped Norwegian authorities find two missing hikers lost in the remote Helligskogen region.</p> <p>The avalanche rescue exercise tested the squadron’s reactions to a medical emergency following an avalanche and validated the UK’s Role 1 medical facility – which provides first aid, immediate life-saving treatment and triage – at Helligskogen base, near the border with Finland and Sweden. </p> <p>It also tested and validated the Norwegians’ emergency call centre.</p> <p>The scenario saw two casualties – one with head trauma and another with a broken leg – expertly located by the squadron, working alongside the search and rescue helicopter from Tromso, which winched the casualties from danger. </p> <p>The training brough together specialists from the UK Commando Force and the Norwegian emergency services. </p> <p>Major Ric Cole, from the UK Commando Force, said: “As part of their ongoing Extreme Cold Weather training, members of the UK Commando Force, including Royal Marines, Royal Navy medical staff and Commando Sappers from the Royal Engineers, have been working alongside Norwegian emergency services. </p> <p>“This latest training serial was an avalanche rescue of two casualties, from search to pre-hospital treatment and onwards to a Role 3 medical facility by Air Ambulance. </p> <p>“It again demonstrates the range and utility of the Commandos, as they prepare for Ex Steadfast Defender 24 alongside our allies and partners.”</p> <p>The commandos have returned to the Arctic this year as NATO limbers up for its most important exercise in a generation, known as Steadfast Defender.</p> <p>That will test the alliance’s ability to defend its flanks from an aggressor, bringing troops from North America and other regions to defend Europe.</p> <p>That’s a wider picture of more than 90,000 troops, 50 ships, 80 fighter jets, helicopters, drones and more than 1,000 vehicles, including tanks.</p> <p>HMS Prince of Wales will be leading the UK’s Carrier Strike Group at sea, but inland the Commando Force are tasked alongside allies to defend the Cap of the North – the region of Norway, Sweden and Finland north of the Arctic Circle. </p> <p>Usually Norway hosts a bi-annual workout to operate with allies on defence of NATO’s northern flank, but with Finland’s membership and Sweden’s expected accession, the exercise – previously called Cold Response – now encompasses the wider region and has been renamed Nordic Response.</p> <p>Royal Marines have been working up to this moment through the winter as new generations take on the Cold Weather Warfare Courses.</p> <p>The Arctic warfare experts – the Royal Marines Mountain Leaders – are responsible for educating and instructing new commandos on what is required to survive, move and fight across the ice.</p> <p>Course members learn to navigate by the stars, build shelters out of wood and snow, survive off the land and jump into freezing water – known as the ice-breaking drill – to test responses to cold shock. </p> <p>The commandos are also taught navigation skills before taking to skis and snow shoes to learn how to quickly get across the ice and out-manoeuvre adversaries carrying weapons and equipment across training areas in the mountainous Troms and Finnmark county in northern Norway.</p> <p>Marines take part in a biathlon when deployed in the Arctic – a winter sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. </p> <p>The roots of the biathlon’s history sit heavily in Scandinavia and has developed as part of Norwegian military training. </p> <p>It’s the perfect cold weather challenge for the Commando Force across mountain roads and forests. It is a race of speed and accuracy, making it perfect for honing warfare skills.</p> <p>The course ultimately produces a conveyor belt of Arctic commandos, ready to be melded together to the wider Commando Force and create a formidable extreme cold weather fighting force.</p> <p>Marines of Zulu Company from Arbroath-based 45 Commando completed their course and are now working towards Nordic Response – bringing in specialists to attach to the company.</p> <p>Mortars and signaller teams from within 45 Commando, engineers from 59 Squadron of 24 Commando Royal Engineers, a group of engineers from the French 9th Marine Infantry Brigade and a US Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company have all attached to Zulu for Nordic Response. </p> <p>Z Company and their new arrivals worked with Viking armoured vehicles, including the mortar and ambulance variants, as they build towards Nordic Response.<br /> “There was also time to practice the dismounted skills learned during the course, including ski mobility, break contact drills, avalanche rescue, and medical training,” explained Captain James Temple, second in command of Zulu Coy.</p> <p>“During the second week ranks conducted further ski navigation training and conducted live firing on skis. The integration package culminated with team lanes, enabling the teams to practice a series of tactical actions as previously taught and practiced.”</p>{15557D1C-8E21-455B-87A7-A54C42C338A1}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/20240226-essex-joins-the-hms-venturer-family-county-is-affiliated-with-new-frigateEssex joins the HMS Venturer family – County is affiliated with new frigate<p>Civic leaders have agreed to be affiliated with the Type 31 frigate – currently under construction in Scotland – linking the warship with more than 1.8m people in East Anglia from Chigwell to Colchester, Braintree to Basildon.</p> <p>All warships enjoy affiliations with towns, cities or boroughs. Occasionally, that extends to entire counties such as current frigates HMS Kent and Sutherland, each linked with the county of the same name.</p> <p>The link with Essex was born from initial inquiries from community leaders in Southend-on-Sea – a link which has been expanded to the wider county.<br /> It joins the Worship Company of Ironmongers which is already affiliated with the new warship.</p> <p>“It is wonderful that HMS Venturer is affiliated with the County of Essex,” said Commander Chris Cozens, the frigate’s Senior Naval Officer.</p> <p>“The rich naval and maritime history combined with its modern outlook is a fitting choice for a ‘Next Generation Frigate’. We both share a focus on community outreach, linking the sea to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and industry to benefit our national prosperity.”</p>