Ships don’t win battles, sailors do. Well trained crews able to think as a single entity, utterly committed to both the mission and each other. Courage, humour, spirit, determination, loyalty and teamwork. The British Sailor.

#OnThisDay 35 years ago in 1990 the first women to serve as ship’s company in a @RoyalNavy ship joined the Type 22 Frigate, HMS BRILLIANT. All roles are available to both men and women and the WRNS and Royal Navy have been fully integrated since the 1990s.

#OnThisDay 10 years ago in 2015 the first of the @RFAHeadquarters new Fleet Tankers was named @RFATidespring by Lady Boyce at the Daewoo shipyard in South Korea. The class of 3 tankers support the Royal Navy worldwide.

Vice Admiral Beattie becomes the 85th person to hold the post since its original establishment as the Second Naval Lord in 1830, although some holders have held the post more than once. He retired in 2024 to be recalled a year later to take up this important role.

I would re-phrase to 'Consistently high standards' as its the ability to maintain them that takes the effort. With effort comes purpose & pride. I'd also say that traditional & standards are not natural bedfellows as the former often clouds the latter and stifles progress. ⚓️⚡️

The offing is the part of the sea near the shore, therefore when a ship was about to arrive in harbour it was ‘in the offing’ ⚓️

A Grand (Prix) Day out... Naval engineers enjoyed a look behind the scenes at F1 legends @WilliamsRacing at their Oxfordshire HQ. Personnel from Forward Support Units used the visit to stimulate ideas for novel solutions to engineering problems. 🔗 https://t.co/wfs9bRYGrE

In @RoyalNavy Jackspeak ‘Dhobi’ means to wash. From Hindi, the word like so many was imported from British India. Today, larger warships carry laundry teams, operated by NAAFI & what an excellent service they provide.

#OnThisDay 1901 the @RoyalNavy Submarine Service is founded. Today recognised by their Dolphin badges and Black Cap Covers that were introduced in 1972 & 2021 respectively. Submariners operate the RN's Nuclear Submarines.

In today's @RoyalNavy Jackspeak an emphasis word is 'Harry'. It's not just rough weather it's Harry Roughers, its not just masking tape, it's Harry Black Maskers etc. The term began as a word for something amateur and came from the popular pre-WW1 variety comedian, Harry Tate

Toilets in Ships are called 'Heads'. This comes from the age of sail where outside rudimentary wooden toilets were placed at the Ship's Head or beakhead, often with a figurehead at front of the ship. This allowed the waste to be constantly washed by the waves at the bow.

In Royal Navy Jackspeak a kipper is known as a Spithead Pheasant. This sailors breakfast is named after the anchorage off @HMNBPortsmouth where many a sailor would have tucked in to one prior to taking the forenoon watch or stitched up like one if their oppo missed their shake.

Whoever commands the sea, commands the trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself. Sir Walter Raleigh

The act of the hand salute is a relatively recent addition to the @RoyalNavy having been introduced in 1890. It replaced the custom of removing ones hat as a mark of respect.

In UK Naval Bases sailors get to ships at sea via a PAS Boat. Named after the Port Auxiliary Service which ran the service until 1976 the service is now provided by @SercoGroup Sailors still call them PAS boats and in @HMNBDevonport they usually bear @FOST Seariders

Looking back on my own training, I see how integrity shaped every step. Doing the right thing - unseen and uncompromising - built the trust and discipline that prepare us for today’s challenges. That foundation matters now more than ever.

Ships don’t win battles, sailors do. Well trained crews able to think as a single entity, utterly committed to both the mission and each other. Courage, humour, spirit, determination, loyalty and teamwork. The British Sailor.

#OnThisDay 25 yrs ago in 2000 the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's oldest serving and last steam ship, Fast Fleet Tanker OLNA made her final voyage from Plymouth to Portsmouth to be paid off after 34 yrs. To be replaced by Wave Knight & Wave Ruler, both now retired also.

#OnThisDay 10 yrs ago in 2015 the last Type 42 Destroyer still afloat, HMS GLOUCESTER leaves @HMNBPortsmouth to be scrapped at the Turkish yard that dismantled all but one (BIRMINGHAM) of her sisters. The departure is witnessed by the Type 42 successor, a Type 45 Destroyer.

'The very best of our Silent Service'. The last serving crew member from HMS Conqueror in the Falklands received a fitting send-off from shipmates @HMNBClyde. CPO Gary Hutchinson has spent 46 years in the RN, almost all in submarines.👏 🔗 https://t.co/eQn54wc43K

#OnThisDay 70 yrs ago in 1955 Cdr Richard O'Connell in command of the survey ship HMS VIDAL formally annexed the islet of Rockall, 290 West of Scotland, for the United Kingdom.