Royal Naval photographer Joel Rouse (26) has been capturing the maritime security operation supporting the Olympic Games sailing from the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Bulwark
The Plymouth-based amphibious command and control ship has been supporting Dorset Police in delivering maritime security across 50 square miles of coastline at the Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour venue for the sailing competitions in Portland Harbour in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During the 2012 Games, Joel (a Leading Hand) had the chance to be on the other side of the camera, as he was pictured with Olympic silver medal winner the sailor Luke Patience. He captured outstanding operational photos of the maritime forces on duty providing security, including a set of stunning aerial photos of the entire Dorset Multi-agency force at sea taken from a Royal Navy helicopter in perfect weather conditions. Joel was also invited onto the official press boat to capture the Olympic sailors out on the water and during medal presentations.
Joel joined the Royal Navy nearly ten years ago. After completing his basic training at HMS Raleigh and HMS Sultan, he joined the submarine service as a marine engineering mechanic and served on the Plymouth-based nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Trenchant. Joel said that he joined the Royal Navy to `learn a trade, see the world and pursue an interesting career’. A keen photographer, he subsequently transferred to the Royal Navy’s photographic branch specialisation, graduating from the Defence School of Photography in April 2011. Joel said he loves being a photographer, because he meets the many diverse and interesting people serving in the Royal Navy.
Joel lives with his girlfriend Jodie and their children Joshua, Tanesha and Tierney. His family and friends come from Yorkshire where he was brought up. His father Neil still lives in Liversage, West Yorkshire and his brother, Jordan in Manchester.
