During a recent, and rare, visit to Tripoli a Royal Navy survey ship’s rugby team took time out to build bonds with the Libyans on the sports field. The HMS Echo rugby team have not played for several years – but they arrived in Libya prepared for the special occasion even carrying a set of rugby posts from the UK. Rugby had been previously banned under Gaddafi’s regime, … [Read more...] about HMS Echo building bonds through sport
Navy News
UK takes part in four-nation exercise
A Royal Navy warship has returned from an annual multi-national exercise off the coast of Brest where she was joined by ships from France, Russia and the US. HMS Sutherland, a Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate, took part in gunnery drills, fought off multiple simulated attacks and practised evacuating civilians in the event of an emergency. The FRUKUS (France-Russia-UK-US) … [Read more...] about UK takes part in four-nation exercise
Submarine museum veteran honoured by Queen
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
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
