The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) has been delivering and supporting the training of Maritime Reserves in Gibraltar ahead of them joining the Fleet.
Royal Navy Reservists from across multiple units have been in Gibraltar for a week to refresh their skills as Pacific 24 Seaboat Coxswains so they can join their units ready to deliver on operations.
Ten general warfare ratings conducted seaboat training within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters with the RNGS Pacific 24 (PAC-24) and the support of HMS Cutlass and HMS Dagger. The training has consisted of every aspect of being a Seaboat Coxswain from Man-Overboard Exercises to pacing with the Cutlass-Class patrol vessel.
The RNGS operates the Pacific 24 Seaboat alongside the Cutlass-Class patrol vessel to demonstrate the UK’s sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. The Coxswains serving at the Squadron are some of the best in the Royal Navy delivering daily operational PAC-24 patrols, 365 days a year.
Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) and Defence Guard Service (DGS) officers have had a few busy months at the airfield, most noticeably with the implementation of the new procedures at Winston Churchill Avenue (WCA) following the opening of the Kingsway Tunnel.
Since 1 January 2023, GDP officers have issued a total of 20 Traffic Fixed Penalty Notices (TFPNs) for driving offences around Gibraltar. Following the closure of the airport road along WCA, some drivers have not complied with the restrictions nor heeded traffic signs and have used various motor vehicles to enter onto the runway in contravention of Traffic Legislation. These drivers have been stopped by GDP officers and issued with TFPNs.
GDP Operations Inspector Dylan Borastero said, “The safe use of the WCA access road that runs across the airfield is paramount to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the movement of incoming and outbound aircraft.”
Inspector Borastero took this opportunity to remind road users to drive safe and, to e-scooter riders to ensure they are compliant with the law such as minimum age being 17 years, 25 kph speed limit, mandatory use of helmets amongst other regulations.
“It is hoped that the prescribed measures, in collaboration with our RAF partners, may promote education and a robust air safety culture for all users of the WCA access road.
Aerodrome safety first, last, and always is the enduring aim for all stakeholders via compliance and continual education measures.”
NEW POLICE DOGS IN THE RGP
Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but for officers who spend all day everyday with their furry four-legged companion, it’s more than just a friendship, it’s a bond like no other.
For the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) officers, being able to work and play with these crime-fighting canines really is a dream come true.
Recently, two officers from the GDP travelled to Melton Mowbray, in the UK, to meet three potential recruits for the GDP Dog Section.
GDP Force Dog Officer Police Constable (PC) Johnson and PC Sodi visited the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), the largest Ministry of Defence (MOD) dog training facility in the UK to meet the potential recruits – three German Shepherd working dogs.
The DATR delivers animal handling training for more than 400 personnel and role specific training for over 300 Military Working Animals per year. The military working dogs are deployed around the world in such places as Cyprus, Brunei, Germany, Mali and Gibraltar.
The GDP officers attended the training camp for two weeks to observe and work the three German Shepherds – Ron, Jesse and Tina. The three dogs were viewed undergoing different training scenarios, where the officers assessed their potential for deployment in Gibraltar.
Whilst in the UK, Ron, Jesse and Tina performed to a high standard and the GDP officers were satisfied the dogs would have no problems adapting and deploying in Gibraltar.
They finally arrived in Gibraltar and are currently carrying out environmental training with their new handlers; this will get them accustomed to the new kennel environment, Gibraltar topography and weather conditions.
