Specialist Royal Marines carried out discreet reconnaissance missions in the freezing fjords of Northern Norway ahead of a major NATO Arctic operation. The Shore Reconnaissance Troop (SRT) from the expert Commando Force Boat Operators branch are trained to insert and covertly study complicated coastal areas and decide the best place to conduct large-scale landings. This … [Read more...] about Specialist commandos take on discreet fjord missions as part of Arctic operations
Navy News
Future Royal Navy takes shape as two new frigates pass shipbuilding milestones
On a red-letter day for the Royal Navy’s future frigate force two shipbuilding milestones were passed in a matter of minutes. Work today began on the fourth Type 31 warship, HMS Bulldog, followed by the second ship in the class HMS Active emerging from a gigantic assembly hall – ready for completion and testing. Hundreds of workers, sailors, military, business and … [Read more...] about Future Royal Navy takes shape as two new frigates pass shipbuilding milestones
New Royal Navy autonomous helicopter makes history with first flight
British aviation history has been made with the UK’s first truly autonomous full-size helicopter completing its maiden flight, operating from Predannack airfield in Cornwall. The helicopter has been designed and built by Leonardo as a demonstrator for the Royal Navy, to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, operating them side-by-side with crewed aircraft in a … [Read more...] about New Royal Navy autonomous helicopter makes history with first flight
Dutch and British pilots prepare for Arctic flying during UK workout
Dutch and British pilots have completed intensive sorties over Salisbury Plain as they prepare to operate on NATO’s northern flank together next year. Flying from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, aviators from the UK’s Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and Royal Netherlands Air Force’s 860 Squadron launched missions that build on four years of training together … [Read more...] about Dutch and British pilots prepare for Arctic flying during UK workout
Like fathers, like sons – Navy helicopter engineers recreate photos 26 years apart
Spot the difference – 26 years apart. Fleet Air Arm engineers Harvey Lewis and Sam Skelson recreated a treasured family photograph their fathers appeared in a quarter of a century ago. The duo were assigned to frigate HMS Iron Duke to maintain the ship’s Wildcat helicopter while the Plymouth-based warship patrolled UK waters. It was when 24-year-old Harvey from … [Read more...] about Like fathers, like sons – Navy helicopter engineers recreate photos 26 years apart
Sailors honour Arctic warriors in northernmost British military cemetery
Sailors from RFA Lyme Bay paid their respects to servicemen buried in the most northerly British military cemetery in the world. A visit to Tromsø – ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ – in northern Norway while training with the UK Commando Force allowed sailors from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s amphibious support ship to pay their respects to British and Commonwealth citizens who made … [Read more...] about Sailors honour Arctic warriors in northernmost British military cemetery
Royal Marines test new kit and commando skills in intensive mountain training in California
Royal Marines faced down harsh mountain terrain to hone traditional commando skills and test new kit to its limits in the mountains of California. Marines from 45 Commando decamped from their Scottish home in Arbroath to Pickel Meadows, the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center 7,000ft up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, south of Lake Tahoe in … [Read more...] about Royal Marines test new kit and commando skills in intensive mountain training in California
Iconic Royal Marines Yomper mural unveiled at Commando Training Centre
A mural depicting one of the most famous images in the history of the Royal Marines has been unveiled at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon. Known as ‘the Yomper’, the picture shows Corporal Peter Robinson heading towards Port Stanley with a Union Flag flying from his radio aerial. It was taken by the then Petty Officer Pete Holdgate who deployed to the … [Read more...] about Iconic Royal Marines Yomper mural unveiled at Commando Training Centre
Devonport delights as the historic facility opens to thousands of visitors
Babcock International Group (Babcock), the international defence company, and the Royal Navy have welcomed more than 10,000 family, friends and wider visitors to an action-packed community event, held over two days across the Devonport Royal Dockyard and Naval Base. The historic doors were opened providing a unique opportunity to see the breadth and depth of activities that … [Read more...] about Devonport delights as the historic facility opens to thousands of visitors
Naval aviators remember WW2 forebears executed in Singapore
Aviators supporting the navy’s premier deployment of 2025 paid their respects to their forebears executed 80 years ago. The attacks on Palembang in Sumatra in January 1945 – known as Operation Meridian – delivered a crippling blow to oil refineries supporting the Japanese war effort as the Allies closed in on victory against Tokyo. The attacks remain one of the finest … [Read more...] about Naval aviators remember WW2 forebears executed in Singapore
