Veteran submariner Michael Pittkeathly has been honoured by the Queen for his role in creating a fascinating museum piece by breathing new life into a retired Royal Naval submarine. The former Royal Naval warrant officer is due to receive the MBE from the Queen for services to the former Cold War submarine Courageous in Plymouth. Courageous is one of the few nuclear-powered … [Read more...] about Submarine museum veteran honoured by Queen
Navy News
Extra wings for HMS Dragon on Gulf mission
FOR the first time one of the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 destroyers has used two helicopters on front-line operations. HMS Dragon doubled her effectiveness for two months flying not the usual one, but two Lynx helicopters from her flight deck. The destroyer, on her maiden deployment, left Portsmouth in March with one onboard from 815 Naval Air Squadron aboard. But she also … [Read more...] about Extra wings for HMS Dragon on Gulf mission
Carol Dinham receives Fleet Commander Commendation
Fleet Commander Phil Jones has presented his Commendations to Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and civilian staff for their outstanding efforts over the past year. Receiving a Commendation was Carole Dinham, from Plymouth. Mrs Dinham was awarded the Commendation in recognition of her service above and beyond the call of duty, raising more than £100,000 for Naval charities and … [Read more...] about Carol Dinham receives Fleet Commander Commendation
HMS Somerset visited the Isles of Scilly
The warship HMS Somerset visited the Isles of Scilly to underline the close relationship between the community and the Royal. Whilst anchored off St Mary’s the ship welcomed over 500 islanders and tourists onboard (7th-9th June). The crew also supported the islands’ commemoration service marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. The visit began with a … [Read more...] about HMS Somerset visited the Isles of Scilly
Royal Marines speed to new amphibious warfare centre
Royal Marines surged in formation at speed up the River Tamar in their fast off-shore raiding craft to their newly-built base in the centre for amphibious warfare in Plymouth. The Marines of 539 Assault Squadron, previously based at Turnchapel, at Plymstock, have completed their final move of personnel, equipment and fast assault boats into their new home at the newly name … [Read more...] about Royal Marines speed to new amphibious warfare centre
RFA Gold Rover home after epic patrol
The captain of a support ship to the Royal Navy has paid tribute to his crew after the ship returned to Plymouth today (Friday) after nearly two years on deployment. Captain Nigel Budd, the commanding officer of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Gold Rover, said: “I am delighted to return to the UK after this very successful 21 month deployment. Our return is the end of a another … [Read more...] about RFA Gold Rover home after epic patrol
Commando father welcomes son into Marines Corps
It is rare enough to pass the gruelling 30-mile speed march which Royal Marine recruits attempt at the end of their training, but it is even rarer to pass it with your dad on the speed march as well. And it’s unheard of for the father to be the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon. However, that is what happened when … [Read more...] about Commando father welcomes son into Marines Corps
HMS Enterprise joyous welcome home to Plymouth
The Royal Navy survey ship HMS Enterprise returned to Plymouth to a noisy and colourful welcome from families after nine months away from home waters. The deep water hydrographic and oceanographic ship arrived at HM Naval Base Devonport from the Middle East to a joyful reception on the jetty after a successful patrol. A crowd of happy families and friends cheered and waved … [Read more...] about HMS Enterprise joyous welcome home to Plymouth
Devonport Field Gun Crew Public Run
The Devonport Field Gun crew mustered on Wednesday 22nd May at HMS Drake for a bit drill run. A bit drill run is the complete Field Gun run broken down into its component parts for demonstration purposes; followed by a full gun run at speed. The public run was a culmination of six weeks arduous training as a crew. Chief Petty Officer Steve Hall explained that the team had been … [Read more...] about Devonport Field Gun Crew Public Run
First Navy F35 Pilot Completes First Month’s Training
The Royal Navy’s first pilot of its next-generation jump jet has said it will give the nation’s future carriers an unrivalled striking power. After a month flying the F35B Lightning II – the most advanced stealth fighter in the world – Lieutenant Commander Ian Tidball has given the aircraft a glowing testimonial. The Fleet Air Arm pilot is learning to fly the jet, also … [Read more...] about First Navy F35 Pilot Completes First Month’s Training
