Second Sea Lord
@MartinJConnell
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Vice Admiral Martin Connell. Personal account. Get in touch at : [email protected]
Joined July 2017
Last week I visited @HMS_Collingwood to see the state of accommodation for myself. Despite recent efforts, I’ve made the decision to close Vivian Block & everyone affected will be relocated. It’s clear we need to do more to give our sailors the accommodation they deserve & expect.
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Exactly 100 years to the day after #HMSVictory entered dry dock, I sat in Nelson’s Great Cabin and took over as @RoyalNavy Second Sea Lord. My personal thanks and best wishes to my predecessor @VAdmNickHine. Now time for me to get to work!
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I’m thrilled and humbled to have been selected to be the next 2SL, and to serve the women and men across the entire @RoyalNavy as we continue to modernise. There’s lots to do and I can’t wait to get started.
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Another important #AUKUS milestone reached yesterday as the first 3 Royal Australian Navy engineer officers to graduate from the UK nuclear course prepare to join their submarines. 🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸
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Only in Portsmouth can an aircraft carrier sail through a festival. Looking good @hmspwls See you in #NYC.#victoriousfestival
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I laid a wreath this morning onboard the flagship at the spot where Nelson fell, and paused to pay my respects to Horatio, Viscount Nelson, Vice Admiral of the White, and to all those who fell with him on this day 218 years ago. #theimmortalmemory
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75 years after the first jet landing on a @RoyalNavy #aircraftcarrier by Winkle Brown, 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 cooperation continues to advance and break the mould. Awesome!
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Definitely worth the wait. Well done @OC617Sqn @17SqnRAF @HMSQNLZ and @HMSDragon #carrierstrike #bestofbritish
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What an uplifting start to my day - presenting Meritorious Service Medals onboard HMS Victory. Humbling to listen to all of the citations. We really are blessed with some exceptional people in the @RoyalNavy and @RoyalMarines
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Fascinating 24 hours inside the Arctic Circle with @Commando_Ops as they hone their winter warfighting skills working alongside our Norwegian allies as we sharpen our commitment to @NATO . Not many people can operate in this unforgiving environment. Strong evidence of innovation
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As the current Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, let me be clear - this book title doesn’t represent the FAA I’m proud to lead: everyone’s contribution is vital and has been for some time.
So this book is available from Sept 2020. and just like that. my contribution is just wiped out 😔
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809 Naval Air Squadron re-commissioned today at @RAF_Marham , certainly a proud day for us all. A nice touch having Cdr Tim Gedge, the former CO from 41 years ago there to present the Squadron’s badge to the new CO Cdr Nick Smith. BZ the Immortals!
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For over 70 years the Massed Bands of the @RMBandService have been #beatingretreat on Horseguards. Was a privilege to take the salute tonight. And also see a full @RoyalNavy guard looking resplendent. @RoyalMarines @LtGenMagowan
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UK takes delivery of 1st P-8 on west coast USA today & @AOC_1_Group & I get to fly in this aircraft tomorrow to east coast where we will embark in @HMSQNLZ via a #FleetAirArm Merlin. Exciting to be part of these new maritime capabilities #partnersindefence #normaldayattheoffice
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154 officers passed out of @DartmouthBRNC today. Most of them will be serving in @RoyalNavy and @RFAHeadquarters ships, submarines and squadrons before long. Some return to their own navies but take with them lifelong friendships. Proud to take the salute and share in their day.
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I met Doddie when I was CO of HMS Illustrious when the ship visited Newcastle. We were hosted by @FalconsRugby and he spoke to all the ship’s rugby team. Now time to give back. I'm fundraising for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. @DoddieBaaBaas .If you can:.
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Proud day in Scotland at the steel cut of our 5th Type 26 frigate, the future HMS Sheffield. (Many!) years ago I joined my first warship, the 3rd HMS Sheffield. Thanks to all the @BAES_Maritime workforce driving economic growth by building these awesome anti-submarine warships.
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38 years ago I joined the RN and flew Lynx helicopters in the North Atlantic to protect our nation’s nuclear deterrent. As 2SL that’s still my priority. Some things may not have changed much, but in past 38 months I’ve not known history move so quickly.
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One of the highlights of my week was presenting the @RoyalNavy Champion Shot for 2022 with the Queen’s Medal at Bisley National Shooting Centre. WO1 Kendall has served 45 years regular and reserve service. Let that sink in…. 45 years! Amazing. BZ Mr K!
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Len Chivers, #WWII veteran, just celebrated his 100th birthday. Seriously injured when his ship, HMS Kipling, was hit. Went on to serve for 35 years. Happy Birthday Len.
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Onboard @HMSQNLZ this morning discussing final preparations for their forthcoming operational deployment. The Captain and I took a moment to pause and toast HM The Queen on the occasion of her birthday
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Another first - @USMC F-35Bs landed and launched from @HMSQNLZ today. Uplifting visit to the ship with @AOC_1_Group to see how Operational Test is going. And I enjoyed chatting with @820NAS and 845 Sqn crews #carrierstrike
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I had the privilege of presenting a Valedictory Certificate to CPO Graham Street’s widow Alison earlier today onboard HMS Victory. Made even more poignant as it was exactly 36 years to the day that Graham or ‘Sid’ as many affectionately knew him as, joined the @RoyalNavy
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Aside from those deployed on operations, my thoughts today are with all those who are on duty; thank you for standing the duty watch and #MerryChrismas when you finally get there.
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The @RoyalNavy is proud to be a part of @FutureAtlantic AFF22 with @HMSPWLS taking centre stage in NYC later this year. Delighted to be at the launch event this morning 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
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Today @825NAS awards ‘wings’ to 3 aircrew - BZ Lt Lovett & Lt Wylie who will receive their wings alongside Lt Cdr Rychtanek of the @USCG 🇺🇸 . Lt Cdr Rychtanek is the first woman to receive FAA wings as a @RoyalNavy Wildcat HMA pilot . @ComdtUSCG .@OnthisdayRN
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Go Navy!.
History made at Twickenham! first ever @RNRugby men’s and women’s combined team photo. @ArmyvNavyRugby
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I met two proud fathers earlier today, one from 🇬🇧 & one from 🇨🇱, in Valparaiso Chile who showed me pictures of their sons passing out from @DartmouthBRNC and @HMS_Raleigh earlier this year when I was their inspecting officer. BZ to AB Reece Herbert and S/Lt Raul Silva
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A brilliant @RMBandService #mountbattenfestivalofmusic made all the better by meeting these 2 gentlemen Alan Harris and Alec Penstone, veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic and arctic convoys. So humbling listening to their experiences. @RNRMC
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Excellent refereeing by @RoyalNavy ref @MrScottMJackson this evening in a decisive @Wrexham_AFC v @BOREHAM_WOODFC title race encounter. And congrats to #WrexhamAFC on promotion to the #EFL .⚓️⚽️
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Proud to take over as Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm today. BZ to @RNASYeovilton for hosting and to all the award recipients. And some excellent drill thrown in for good measure too!.
@KeithBlountFAA final inspection of #fleetairarm guard @RNASYeovilton at awards ceremony recognising outstanding achievement of our people. This also inc RAdm Blount CB OBE FRAeS handing the RAdm Fleet Air Arm baton to RAdm Martin Connell. Welcome @MartinJConnell #FlyNavy 🛫🚁
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Enjoyed doing the new RN Physical Employment Standard (PES) test today (I passed!), and hearing feedback about how well it’s going. Now I just need to persuade my DO to offer me a chance of getting back to sea!
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In a ceremony onboard HMS Victory this morning, we said farewell to WO1 Dave Smith and welcomed WO1 Robbie Buglass as the new 2SL Command Warrant Officer. Thank you Mr S!
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One of my recent highlights was being able to present a RN valedictory certificate to my dear friend Jamie Dible. We were once next door neighbours as junior officers and he is a true gentleman. Thank you for your service Cdr Dible!
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On this #InternationalWomensDay I’m proud to serve alongside some amazing women in my team. #IWD2023 @navy_women
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The thoughts of the Fleet Air Arm are with the @RCAF_ARC and @RoyalCanNavy following the loss of the CH-148 from HMCS Fredericton.
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33 years ago today I walked through the gates of @DartmouthBRNC and I haven’t looked back. I’d recommend it as a career to anyone. This is the scene today with officer cadets giving 1 min talks. Phot courtesy of @CaptainRReadwin #leadership #madeintheroyalnavy
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Delighted to welcome WO Dave Smith this week as the 2SL Command Warrant Officer. He comes with bags of experience and I’m really looking forward to working with him on a myriad of people issues. And he’s not always as serious as this phot suggests!
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Generated in record time ✅ Commissioned at 0900 ✅ .Sails just a few hours later for ops ✅ .Over to you now @RAdmSAsquith .#forwardpresence @HMSTrent
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In quiet reflection I laid a wreath this morning on behalf of the #FleetAirArm at the FAA memorial in Lee-on-Solent. 80 years on from the Battle of Taranto today’s generation salutes those who have gone before us #WeWillRememberThem #Taranto80
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Many said this couldn’t happen. But the efforts and ingenuity of many have proved a new level of operational interchangeability 🇬🇧🇺🇸.
As #CSG21 says farewell to VMFA-211 @USMC F-35B aircraft, I wish to thank them for their commitment, loyalty & professionalism. The achievements of this deployment have been groundbreaking and raised the bar in terms of integration between our two nations. #StrongerTogether 🇬🇧🇺🇸
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You’ve got to love a Xmas homecoming! Welcome home @HMSDuncan . You’ve had an eventful year supporting @NATO as SNMG2 command ship and more recently protecting @RoyalNavy ships in the Eastern Med. Glad you’re all back for some well-earned leave with loved ones.
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Exciting end to end rugby played in the right spirit with only a point in it til the dying moments of the game. Huge effort by @RNRugby but congrats go to @armyrugbyunion Also great to see the womens teams play at @Twickenhamstad BZ to LH Rose Dixon and her teammates #ArmyvNavy
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A privilege to speak at today’s @HMSMontrose decommissioning. 30 years of proud operational service ended as the ensign was lowered for the final time.
After a 30-year-career serving her nation, the active life of @HMSMontrose came to an end today in Portsmouth. Families and former crew converged on Portsmouth Naval Base for the final act in the ship’s career. Read more:
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A young submariner from HMS Vigilant races at the @RoyalNavy #RNSnowsports23 in #lesdeuxalpes after just 5 days tuition 😎⛷️. @RNWSA @NAVYfit @RNRMC
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I'm v pleased to announce the launch of the new MyNavy mobile app today. Everyone has asked me for more functionality with MyNavy, that’s why I’m delighted it will be much easier to use and access with more content to come through this year and next. @RoyalNavy .@RoyalMarines
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Enjoyed my visit to @HMSPWLS today for discussions with industry and ship’s company on build progress. Witnessed a hive of activity preparing the ship for sea trials later this year. Remarkable that we may soon have 2 x aircraft carriers at sea. #carriers #momentum #shipbuilding
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Yesterday was my first time back onboard @hmssevern since handing over command in 2004. Delighted to report that not much has changed and the ship is in very safe and capable hands. Good to have the ship formally back in the Fleet. (And the 🍰 was excellent).
Welcome back into the family - officially - @hmssevern 👏. The patrol ship was recommissioned today with full pomp and ceremony berthed alongside #ww2 cruiser #HMSBelfast in #London. The service ends a regeneration process which began in November 2018.
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A warm day to be stood in No1 uniform but a privilege to pay my respects at the Cenotaph alongside the various RN Associations. And delighted to sign an MoU with the RNA National President Duncan Potss, for even closer collaboration between serving and veteran communities.
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Bit of a rude awakening to start the day with a row! Team National Endeavour is fundraising for @RNRMC . Check out the @JustGiving page and please donate if you can. Thank you! #TeamDNE #JustGiving
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A great send off for HNoMS Roald Amundsen and their embarked @RoyalNavy Wildcat this morning in Bergen, Norway at the start of Op Highmast, the Carrier Strike Group deployment. I offered my words of support and gratitude to the ship’s company immediately before sailing, alongside
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Impressed with the @RNNavyX team’s (and Navy Finance and Commercial) ability to bring this exciting experimentation trials ship into service at pace within a year of project launch. It will really help springboard our @RoyalNavy autonomy and digital accelerator programmes. #PBKT
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The White Ensign now flies from our 2nd aircraft carrier. BZ @HMSPWLS and @HMNBPortsmouth for a great Commissioning today
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Our Armed Forces volunteers have done us all proud these past 2 weeks at 🎾#Wimbledon2022 Volunteers such as @RNReserve AB Sidharthan from @HMSEagletRNR and @HMSPresidentRNR .Thank you one and all.
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Another great evening with the Commando Helicopter Force, who now have a new CO Col Mark Johnson. Best wishes and thanks to @co_chf Col Del Stafford.
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@WO1IanWilson joined @HMS_Raleigh in 1988 and today is his last full day as my Command Warrant Officer. It is only fitting that he finishes where he started, talking with new entry sailors about the exciting journey ahead of them. Next stop for him is @DartmouthBRNC BZ Mr W!
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To further strengthen the already strong @RoyalMarines @USMC and @RoyalNavy @USNavy partnerships, I was pleased to co-sign a Statement of Intent on Lit Ops with Lt Gen Furness earlier today at Admiralty House as part of our Delivering Combined Seapower programme. #bluegreenteam
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Amidst the steel cut for our 2nd Type 31 frigate at @Babcockplc Rosyth yesterday, I enjoyed chatting to 5 veterans from the previous HMS Active, the 11th warship to carry the name, and which saw active service in the Falklands. A proud moment as the baton is passed on.
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Laid a wreath at the #FAA memorial at Lee-on-Solent today. Young trainees, veterans and the public all standing side by side. My last time as Rear Admiral FAA. But I know I’ll return many times. #RemembranceSunday
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A distinct privilege to lay wreaths onboard this morning.
The Second Sea Lord has laid a wreath on the spot on HMS Victory where Lord Nelson was shot to mark Trafalgar Day. #TrafalgarDay @ForcesNews @RoyalNavy
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A brilliant day at sea this week onboard @HMSPWLS showing senior x-Whitehall decision makers and ambassadors what a carrier strike group does for UK and @NATO defence, and the talented @RoyalNavy and @RoyalAirForce people who make it all happen.
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A privilege to take the salute & award (>150) prizes at @RHSSuffolk annual Prize Giving Divisions. Exceptional drill & #inspiring stories in an evocative setting overlooking the Stour estuary. Thanks to Headmaster Simon Lockyer & all staff for allowing me to be a part of the day
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I returned to Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery today in Crete, some 16 years after I laid a wreath when I was the CO of HMS Chatham. Such a beautiful, tranquil site, kept in perfect condition by @CWGC local workforce. Thank you for honouring their service and sacrifice.
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I admit it wasn’t easy, but grateful to my MA for persuading me to get out for a run this morning. In the @RNASYeovilton rain! Now I’m ready for the 1SL Conference!
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It’s always a privilege to take the salute at a passing out parade. With growing numbers now entering HMS Raleigh, I enjoyed talking to all the staff who are responsible for making it happen. To Cunningham 24 - congratulations and welcome to the Fleet!
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Congratulations to the Colombian Navy on the occasion of their bicentennial. I took the opportunity to present a new piece of music to Adm Cubides onboard @HMSDauntless written by a 🇬🇧 pipe major commissioned to mark the occasion. 🇨🇴 ⚓️🇬🇧. #UKCOL .@UKinColombia
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The Navy Board today visited @Commando_Ops to speak to @RoyalMarines and see how they are successfully transforming to meet tomorrow’s challenges. And yes - we also got out on the water!
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The Queen Elizabeth 9/11 Memorial Garden in #NYC is a wonderfully peaceful haven surrounded by skyscrapers and the usual hustle and bustle of Lower Manhattan. Been many times and met many 9/11 families. My thoughts today are with them all.
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Delighted to recognise SLt Max Till as the FAA officer cadet of the year at @DartmouthBRNC While waiting for flying training to start he stepped up as a COVID regional liaison officer. And yes, that is @EnglandRugby legend Jason Leonard in the background!
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Aren’t many places better to present #PlatinumJubilee medals than in Nelson’s cabin onboard Victory.
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Fantastic collaboration by the navy and industry teams involved. Much more of the same to come soon .#watchthisspace.
History in the making. A pilotless aircraft has landed - and taken off again from - a Royal Navy aircraft carrier for the first time at sea. The drone from W Autonomous Systems flew from Predannack near @RNASCuldrose to @HMSPWLS and back again.
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Among many highlights this week was a few hours onboard @HMSQNLZ & a chat with the excellent medical team including Surg Lt Cdr Nathaniel Roocroft (DPMO) who worked with @Greenwich_Hosp to produce 'Flagship Performance' - a superb, practical guidebook on health & performance.
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A special moment for Portsmouth and all those who’ve been involved in building this amazing ship.
The wait is finally over!!🇬🇧🛳. HMS Prince of Wales will be passing Round Tower this Saturday at 2PM. Come along and witness this historic moment for the city of Portsmouth and The Royal Navy. 😀⚓️. #CarrierTakeTwo #PortsmouthIsReady
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Always a privilege to take the salute at a passing out parade. 183 RN/RNR/RFA officers passed out today including 19 international officers from 14 different nations. BZ @DartmouthBRNC.
An Awe-Inspiring Display ⚔️🥁. Hard Work & Determination ✅. Making a Commitment to Serve Our Country 🇬🇧🫡. Welcome to the @RoyalNavy @RFAHeadquarters @RNReserve ⚓️🌊🪢🧭. Global🌎Modern🛜Ready✅.@RNJobsUK . @MartinJConnell .@RAdmJudeTerry .@CaptAndyBray
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Managed an enjoyable standeasy coffee break with some sailors in phase 2 training soon to join their first ships. Some good Qs. Thanks @HMS_Collingwood for hosting me.
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First Warfare Officer to stand on the newly installed bridge of Type 31 @HMSVenturerRN - achieved ✅👍. Thanks to Cdr Cozens and his team and to @Babcockplc for the constructive discussions.
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So proud of the contribution our #Reservists make serving alongside their Regular shipmates at sea and ashore, here in the UK and around the world. They often balance full-time jobs with their commitment to the @RoyalNavy proving they really are ‘twice the citizen’ #ReservesDay
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80 years ago the @USNavy and @USArmy were at @HMS_Raleigh preparing for D-Day. 80 years on it was a pleasure to host the US Navy Chief of Naval Personnel @2Cheeseman for a passing out parade.
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#RememberanceDay2024 at Whale Island earlier. Those who serve today standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our veterans who we’re so proud of.
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A busy few days in #Australia working with my #AUKUS colleagues as we begin to equip Australia with the knowledge and expertise to safely operate nuclear powered submarines. A privilege to also pay my respects at the 🇦🇺 War Memorial while there.🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸
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Enjoyed chatting with our phase 2 marine and air engineers @HMSsultan this week. Bright, engaging and determined, our future @RoyalNavy is in good hands.
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Commendations awarded today at Admiralty House. Always an enjoyable day. And every citation tells a remarkable story about our people and their selfless commitment, professionalism and service.
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Free #Headspace licences are now available for all RN/RM Regulars, Reserves and RN TLB Civil Servants. It provides useful tools and resources so I encourage you to give it a go. Have you signed up yet? #NAVYfit #healthandwellbeing
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A sunny afternoon at Admiralty House yesterday presenting commendations recognising the exceptional efforts of our people.
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Flying visit to @RFAArgus at sea to meet superb RFA/RN team & @846NAS training next gen @co_chf junglies. 1000 deck landings so far this year. Also saw this awesome maritime role 3 medical facility. Not bad for a ship in her 4th decade. Thanks @Captain_Peter_H @RFAHeadquarters
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A glorious Sunday morning in @HMNBPortsmouth to welcome back @HMSDefender before the ship goes into upkeep next month. My sincere thanks to each and every sailor and your families for all you do and have done, and best of luck with your new assignments.
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Always a tonic to take the salute at @HMS_Raleigh this time for Fisher 33 passing out parade. And BZ to Logs(CS) Kava Liliu for being awarded the Sapphire Trophy - all the more remarkable given that he swapped home in The Solomon Islands for a career in the @RoyalNavy
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Enjoyed hosting a traditional Ship’s Company Christmas lunch for the talented RN Embassy team today at Admiralty House. These guys deliver, day in day out, supporting front line units around the world as well as important engagement activity at home. Hope you all had a good time
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A rare break from the office today to visit @HMSSutherland moored on the Thames outboard of HMS Belfast. Was delighted @TanDhesi and other members of the @CommonsDefence Committee were able to visit too and speak with the CO and Ship’s Company.
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I signed an agreement today in London with Vice Admiral Eric Janicot for increased cooperation and exchange of people as part of a reinvigorated ‘Entente Navale’ for greater interoperability between the @RoyalNavy & @MarineNationale 🇬🇧🇫🇷
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Huge congrats to another batch of naval aviators progressing to the front line. ‘No visiting admirals’ is probably welcome (I’ll be back!) but real shame your families couldn’t be there.
RNAS Culdrose Wings Parade #COVID19 style: no immaculate uniforms, no visiting admirals, no marching band, parade, watching families & absolutely no handshakes. But it still remains: these 12 Merlin aircrew have completed years of training to serve frontline @RoyalNavy Well done
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A fantastic evening at @EdinburghTattoo and onboard @britanniayacht . Pleased to host my friend RAdm Eva Skoog Haslam, the Chief of the Royal Swedish Navy and many other amazing guests. I also enjoyed chatting with the superb @SeaCadetsUK from TS Indefatigable @Musselburghscc .
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Thanks to the fine people of Portsmouth for turning out in numbers to enthusiastically welcome home their newest ship @HMSPWLS
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