Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron is delighted to announce the arrival of HMS Dagger, the final craft to be delivered by Marine Specialised Technology (MST).
HMS Dagger will be based in HM Naval Base Gibraltar and used to patrol British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, support British exercises and operations in the area and will keep close watch over Gibraltar’s shores.
Dagger must first undergo a rigorous set of sea trials and safety checks until she can fly a White Ensign. These trials are due to be complete in mid- 2022.
The role of Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) is to conduct maritime operations in order to provide security in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, to reassure the Gibraltarians and demonstrate UK sovereignty of Gibraltar. They also provide force protection to visiting warships, submarines and auxiliary units alongside their civilian counterparts in the Gibraltar Defence Police force. They perform this unwavering duty 365 days a year.
The ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Simon Holden said, “The arrival of HMS Dagger to the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron is the culmination of many months of hard work by our commercial partners, Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the project and as her first Commanding Officer I am looking forward to putting HMS Dagger through her paces and getting her operational as soon as possible.
“She is now going to conduct several sea trials prior to raising the White Ensign in mid- 2022.”
The Gibraltar Defence Police is delighted to have got their boat back after it was sent off for refurbishment in the UK.
The Police Motorboat (PMB) Sir Evan Gibb, also known as Victor Charlie 5, was built in the United Kingdom in 1984 and delivered to Gibraltar in 2012. The vessel is 15 metres long and can reach a top speed of 25 knots.
Although the vessel is 38 years old, it has proven to be a reliable asset to HQBF and the force in general.
In 2018 Sir Evan Gibb, underwent a refit at a local ship repair yard and resulted in officers enjoying a revamped stable platform in which to carry out their duties.
The vessel was transported to a professional ship repair yard in the UK in 2021 for a full re-fit, during which the vessel was modernised and improved to suit the new operational requirements that the GDP currently undertakes. The vessel is design to carry 8 passengers. It has four Whole Body Vibration Seats as well as a small kitchenette, a toilet and shower facilities.
Inspector Olivero, from the GDP Marine Section, said, “Sir Evan Gibbs is used as an operational vessel, patrolling Admiralty Waters and British Gibraltar Territorial Waters by a qualified Marine Crew. It also serves as the main focal point for armed maritime escorts for inbound and outbound Naval vessels into Port.
“It is not unusual to see this vessel floating inside the harbour adjacent to naval vessels, not only providing protection to the vessel but also the crew onboard.” the great success it is.”
The Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) received its new Colours at a ceremony at Windsor Castle from HRH The Earl of Wessex, in a memorable moment for attending troops, family and friends.
In what is only the third time that the Regiment has performed public duties in London, the RG took over from the Coldstream Guards at the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Monday 21 March. Since then, they have spent the last few weeks guarding The Tower of London, St James’ Palace and Windsor Castle.
The troops had an early start to the big day as they departed from Woolwich to arrive at Windsor to ensure all the final preparations were underway. The final hours were filled with kit preparation. A final rehearsal was conducted in Victoria Barracks before the troops made their way to Windsor Castle.
His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex presented the Regiment with their new colours, which were approved by Her Majesty The Queen.
Watching in the Quadrangle were the Commanding Officer of the RG, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson, Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Steve Dainton, His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
Commanding Officer of the RG, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson said, “To receive new Colours at Windsor Castle truly is an honour and will be such a memorable experience especially for the junior soldiers; it is a real highlight in the Regiment’s history.”
