Armed Forces

Jacob VS The Rock

Young Jacob Newson, known as ‘Jacob the Pilot’ because of his love of aviation and ambition to become a RAF pilot, who raises thousands of pounds for the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), recently visited Gibraltar to complete the Mediterranean Steps (locally known as the Med Steps) that ascend the 426-metre Rock of Gibraltar.

Also taking part were personnel from RAF Gibraltar and No. 2 Gibraltar Air Cadet Squadron. On August 21, 2023, the group started their hike at MOD Gibraltar’s headquarters at HM Dockyard.

Even though this is one of the smaller peaks Jacob has conquered, the conditions were particularly poor, with low visibility and 100% humidity. So far, he has raised over £1,300 for the RAFBF on this challenge.

The Med Steps were built by the British military to allow access to various defensive positions around the southern part of the Rock. The route finishes adjacent to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar at O’Hara’s Battery.

All personnel taking part from the RAF are stationed at RAF Gibraltar and have volunteered their time for this good cause. Flt Lt Nurse was one of the participants and said, “Walking with Jacob and the Air Cadets on such a steep route was made easier due to their unwavering enthusiasm. When you consider some of the steps were as tall as Jacob, it would have been easy for him to be put off by the route, but he took it all in his stride.”a

If you would also like to sponsor Jacob for this challenge, please visit his Just Giving page.

Top Student

Private Dominic Salmon, a Class 3 Chef in the Junior Ranks Mess, recently completed his introductory training as a chef and received the Best Student award. A 14-week course called “Chef Class 3” included an eight-week kitchen component where he acquired a variety of technical skills like butchery, pastry, vegetables, sauces, and seafood.

Week 4 was test week, during which the chefs demonstrated their knowledge of the material and produced meals to a high standard.

A soldier can be deployed to any unit worldwide to advance in their career when the field phase is finished, upon successful completion of their first training as a Class 3 Chef. They have a Production Apprenticeship to complete within a 2-year timeframe. With several credentials available along the way, from fundamental cooking skills to management degrees, Pte Salmon’s new position as a chef inside the Army presents avenues for him to advance his career.

In addition to career advancement opportunities, Pte Salmon’s new position also offers him the chance to develop valuable leadership skills. As he progresses through his training and apprenticeship, he will have the opportunity to take on supervisory roles and lead a team of fellow soldiers in the kitchen. This will not only enhance his culinary expertise but also prepare him for future leadership positions within the military.

Congratulations, Pte Salmon!

RAF STATION COMMANDER HANDOVER

In mid-August, Wing Commander Nel Doherty handed over command of RAF Gibraltar to Wing Commander Tom Harvey. The ceremony took place outside of RAF Gibraltar’s Station Headquarters with Station and MoD Gibraltar personnel present.

After serving 4 years as Station Commander at the airbase in the British Overseas Territory, Wing Commander Doherty returns to the UK to Standing Joint Command, Aldershot.

During her time in Gibraltar she ensured the critical COVID-19 vaccine flights, has overseen the change of use of Winston Churchill Avenue, supported the West Africa Airbridge and seen the commencement of Programme MARSHALL and the installation of a new air traffic control radar on top of the Rock of Gibraltar.

An air traffic controller, Wing Commander Tom Harvey has arrived from the Ministry of Defence,where he was responsible for UK military activity in Latin America and the Caribbean, including support to 10 of the 14 UK Overseas Territories.

Wing Commander Harvey said, “I am hugely excited to take command of the Unit and lead the Station in continuing to deliver its critical output in support of Gibraltar. I wish to thank Wing Commander Doherty for her unstinting effort over the last 4 years, thanks to her leadership the station is well placed to continue its vital work.”

SIKORSKI MEMORIAL

His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has commemorated the 80th anniversary of the loss of Polish wartime leader General Władysław Sikorski.

On 4th July 1943, the Liberator Bomber carrying General Sikorski crashed into the sea immediately after take-off, killing 5 crew and 11 passengers, with its pilot as the sole survivor.

General Sikorski was Poland’s Prime Minister in exile during a time of war, and was a source of inspiration and a rallying point for the Polish people. Today’s commemorations pay tribute to him as a leader and to the values and principles he stood for, which unite us to this day: freedom, liberty and democracy.

CBF CANCER RELIEF CENTRE VISIT

Commodore of British Forces Gibraltar Tom Guy paid a visit to the Cancer Relief Centre at 5 S Barrack Rd, the invitation was a sign of gratitude from the charity, for the support the Ministry of Defence & its personnel has provided.

CBF was welcomed by Mrs. Karen Richards, the centre’s nurse, and members of the hospice outreach service and team.

For more than 30 years, the body has collaborated to offer the greatest calibre of care to our community.

AFPS in Gibraltar

The AFPS is run from within Parliament as a charitable incorporated organisation under the governance of the Charity Commission. Its purpose is the better education and information of parliamentarians from both the Commons and the Lords about the way of life of service people.

During their visit to Gibraltar, they were exposed the realities of living standards and training opportunities our young soldiers experience by visiting the Royal Gibraltar Regiment; Buffadero Training Centre and the Tunnels showed the versatility of the Land capability.

The highlight for this Naval focused visit naturally fell to the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. HMS Dagger and Cutlass deployed on Sovereignty Operations accompanied by the parliamentarians, who experienced the thrill of 40 knots around Europa Point.

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.

University Royal Navy Unit Visit

Twenty Five officer cadets and staff from Birmingham, Wales, Bristol and Devon University Royal Navy Units (URNU) recently visited Gibraltar for a weeklong programme. 

The cadets, who are all university students, participate in a placement at the URNU for approximately 3 years where they are given the opportunity to gain Royal Navy insights such as navigation and leadership skills.

During the visit, the cadets were involved in helping clean, paint and conduct laborious tasks at O’Hara’s and Princess Anne’s Battery, alongside the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. That evening, they attended an event with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore (Cdre) Tom Guy.

When the cadets weren’t helping at the Batteries, they attempted the challenging Mediterranean Steps, toured St Michaels Cave, Great North Road tunnels, Great Siege Tunnels, Alameda Botanical Gardens, the Trafalgar Cemetery and HMS Trent.

During their time in the Trafalgar Cemetery, the cadets discussed and learned about the history of the Battle of Trafalgar and Gibraltar’s part in bringing Admiral Lord Nelson ashore. That afternoon, the Units visited His Majesty’s Naval Base, for an insightful question and answer session with Cdre Guy where they were given an update on the Royal Navy’s role in Gibraltar.

Coxswain of the URNU, Warrant Officer Class 1 Grover said, “It’s not often you get this kind of access to a 1 Star officer, so the cadets relished it. Especially twice in one week.”

Promotion Within The RG

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment is delighted to announce that Private (Pte) Brosco recently returned to Gibraltar after having passed the Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (PJNCO) course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick.

The course brings together private reservist soldiers from Infantry Regiments across the UK, putting them through their paces in their first promotion-ready course as part of their career within the British Army.

The course, which is run over 19 days, focuses primarily on infantry fieldcraft, tactics and physical endurance in inclement weather conditions.

Pte Brosco’s skills and training were put to the test over a four night period when he was tasked with completing two field exercises.

Additionally, whilst starting his Army Leadership and Development Programme, Pte Brosco was tested on both day and night navigation. All of the training provided critical infantry development towards becoming a Lance Corporal on his return to the Regiment.

Westside Pupils Visit GDP Dog Section

Five Westside School pupils visited the Gibraltar Defence Police Dog Section as part of a study programme.

During their visit, the students were able to have a look around the kennels and the free run training area where they met various police dogs and got an insight into life as a dog handler.

The Gibraltar Defence Police have recently received three new police dogs, all German Shepherds, who will come into service once they have finished their training.

Ten Gibraltar Defence Police Coxswains recently complete their RYA Coastal Skipper/Yacht Master offshore theory course with the local RYA teaching centre Allabroad Sailing Academy.

The qualifications the officers received are recognised by the UK Maritime and Coastguard agency as the UK’s National Standard and their use is required by the Defence Maritime Regulator.

The demanding course covered advanced skills in offshore and coastal navigation by day and night, pilotage and meteorology. The successful candidates will be continuing their professional development and undertake further RYA Training and additional Police Specific Training later on in the year.

Major Pitto Receives MBE

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment is delighted to announce that Major Pitto received his MBE from Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle.

Major Pitto returned to the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in July last year after spending two years in British Forces Gibraltar as the Operations and Plans officer. He was awarded an MBE for his services as the primary lead in developing plans and supporting efforts against the COVID 19 pandemic, as well as leading with contingency planning within the military environment, and being a force driver in executing charitable events.

He most notably played a huge part in organising the successful first ever Armed Forces Day on the Rock in 2020 which saw Her Majesty’s Naval Base filled by thousands of members of the general public.

After receiving his MBE, Battalion Second in Command, Major Pitto said, “Yesterday was a proud and special day. I never expected to have been recognised for such a prestigious honour, I’m truly humbled.

To receive the honour from Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, was also very special as she is a big supporter of Gibraltar.

I once again want to thank my family for their patience in supporting me over the years.”

Many congratulations to Major Pitto from everyone at Insight.

RG Return From The Gambia

For the past two months, eight members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG), accompanied by a Royal Marine Medic, spent five weeks in The Gambia, West Africa, where they provided a “Train the Trainer” (AKA T3) package to 61 Officers & Soldiers of the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF).

The RG’s Short-Term Training Team (STTT) spent five weeks based at the British High Commission in Serrekunda, about 10 kilometres from Gambia’s capital, Banjul.

The RG have historically conducted training in The Gambia on several occasions over the past 19 years, the last time being in 2021. The recent deployments have seen the RG focus on developing the GAF’s ability to train their own soldiers and office

GDP GOES BACK TO SCHOOL

As part of the “People Who Help Us” initiative, the Gibraltar Defence Police visited St Anne’s Upper Primary School.

The visit was attended by approximately 60 school children and their teachers from Year 3 who are currently learning about the Police.

Police Constable (PC) Johnson addressed the children and explained the importance of the GDP Dog Section before PC Ward and PC Dean escorted their police dogs PD Oskar and PD Koki into the school playground. After asking the children what they thought each dog’s role was, the officers demonstrated how PD Oskar conducts his duties.

PD Oskar, a male Belgian Malinois who joined the GDP in December 2020, is a general purpose police dog. His breed is chosen for stamina, agility and their ability to maintain focus.

PD Koki is a specially trained explosive detection dog who joined the GDP in 2022. His role is to detect and indicate the presence of explosives for which he has been trained by searching all types of areas such as buildings, vehicles and outside terrain.

Once the demonstration was over, the children had the opportunity to line up and interact with the police dogs.

Exercise Green Barbarian

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) recently took part in Exercise Green Barbarian, going back to Infantry basics, which is conducted to prepare the RG for their upcoming Exercise Jebel Tarik.

The aim of the Exercise was to enhance and develop basic Infantry field craft skills as well as develop understanding of section and platoon level operations, shape platoon cohesion and develop basic leadership skills.

During the exercise, the platoons conducted Section Attacks, Individual and Pairs Firing Manoeuvres as well as a platoon ambush.

Soldiers attended morning presentations and conducted afternoon practice sessions. One evening, B Company were joined by I Company for their evening platoon ambush. The aim of the night time drill was to practice the possibility of a platoon ambush to defeat the enemy. I Company used information gathered by B Company, resulting in the enemy being defeated.

Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s Training Sergeant (Sgt), Sgt Field, said, “Exercise Green Barbarian was the first joint training package of the year. It involved both Rifle Companies operating in a confined space. The troops did well, and it has set conditions for more arduous and testing training later in the year.”

FALKLANDS VISIT

In January, ten members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band began Exercise Tiger Island with a long journey to the Falkland Islands, where they would join forces with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Band (PWRR) to deliver musical support on behalf of 3 PWRR whilst their battalion were deployed.

With a population of approximately 3,500 in the whole of the Falkland Islands, it was no surprise that Mount Pleasant Primary School had only 24 students! The children were introduced to the instruments in the band and joined the band in marching around the school hall. The PWRR band prepared an entertaining and interactive performance of the ‘Music Man’ consisting of costumes such as bagpiper, pilot and footballer which entertained their 3- 10 year old audience! Friday evening saw the band performing at Mount Pleasant theatre.

Adjoined to the complex’s bar, the theatre that usually sits silent, was brought to life by the band, accompanied by the Military Wives Choir who sung Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Gary Barlow’s “Sing”, originally sung by a Military Wives Choir to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It was attended by their family members and serving military personnel.

INTO THE EYE OF THE STORM

2 Platoon, I Company from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) was sent on a deployment to Kenya on Exercise ASKARI STORM towards the end of 2022.

Whilst on deployment, 2 Platoon were directed to work with 1RIFLES in a Battle Group context. They were integrated into C Company and were given the call sign 9 Platoon. Right from the start, 9 Platoon were just another member of a much larger team and meshed seamlessly with the rest of C Company and 1RIFLES.

9 Platoon, C Company, consisted of an RG platoon with 3 attached Riflemen from 5RIFLES. The Light Role infantry element of the 1RIFLES Battle Group consisted of 3 Companies including C Company.

Here the light role element spearheaded large scale manoeuvres and the RG learned about the battle rhythm and tactics employed with this level of workforce. It was a great opportunity to see the logistical, vehicle recovery and medical chains being tested throughout the exercise in real time.

Royal Gibraltar Regiment, I Company, Captain Thomas said, “One of the highlights that was voiced from 9 Platoon was the final action on CALFEX which was a live, black, Company assault on steep and difficult features in the region of Archers Post which is a settlement in Kenya’s Samburu County.

The live mortars and machine guns firing, whilst the reconnaissance guided the Companies into position before an arduous assault will be a memorable moment for all those involved.”

“It was an ideal platform to learn about bush tactics and practice some hard soldiering,” he continued, “It also provided an opportunity to show off the skills the RG continue to develop in Gibraltar.

From pre-deployment training, all the way through to the end of Ex ASKARI STORM, the RG were welcomed with open arms by 1RIFLES which made the actual training more enjoyable.”

Royal Gibraltar Regiment B Company’s Private (Pte) Bouhaltit has been presented with the Best Reserve Solider of the year for 2022.

The assessment is made over the calendar year to capture key training such as Exercise Jebel Tarik, Exercise Calpe Keys, Ceremonial Duties and Mandatory Annual Training Tests.

During 2022, Pte Bouhaltit had shown an enormous amount of commitment to the platoon and company and at one point was the only Annual Combat Marksmanship Test qualified soldier.

Battalion Second in Command, Major John Pitto MBE, said, “The last time a soldier was awarded the title of Best Soldier was 4 years ago. The platoon Sergeant and I were therefore very keen to bring this back as it provides an opportunity to recognise individuals from the platoon for their hard work and effort over the year of training.

Pte Bouhaltit puts the Company and training before his other commitments, including his 5 other jobs, but more noticeably, he always gives 100% effort in any training that is undertaken.”

Lt Cdr Adam Colman recently paid a courtesy call on The Governor as he relinquished his two-year command of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron..

He leaves Gibraltar to attend the Intermediate Staff Course at Shrivenham before a short period on board HMS DEFENDER (Type 45 Destroyer) before starting the Principle Warfare Officers Course at HMS COLLINGWOOD in June.

Good luck from everyone at Insight.

Sir Joe Bossano laid a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the People of Gibraltar.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

A local man is celebrating after becoming the first member of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment to be nominated for the Sportsman of the Year Award, held in Sandhurst.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2), Ethaniel Jeffries-Mor, travelled to the UK for the two day ceremony, where he was presented with his Runner Up Sportsman of the Year Award by Major General Zac Stenning OBE, Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

WO2 Jeffries-Mor, 44, became aware that he had been nominated for the award when he began receiving numerous messages from the Regiment’s Chain of Command, and members of the British Army Judo and Infantry Judo congratulating him on his nomination.

He said, “It took a few minutes before I realised what had happened. My family were over the moon when I told them, as they are the ones who support me day in day out especially my partner and kids, Noah and Chloe.”

Having competed since he was 16 years old, WO2 Jeffries-Mor said, “After so many years of hard work and dedication, selfless commitment, even leaving my family behind in order to pursue what I love and represent not only my Regiment but also Gibraltar, it couldn’t have felt better to have been nominated.

“I really couldn’t have done this without the continuous support of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.”

WO2 Jeffries-Mor picked up an injury on his last training camp at the Judo School of Excellence in Walsall, resulting in a fracture to his right foot. Despite this, he remains active in order to prepare for his next competition, the Army Championships in January 23.

On Monday 14 November 2022, The Headquarters Company, Thomson’s Battery, fired a 21-Royal Gun Salute to celebrate the 74th Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

The ceremony was attended by the Inspecting Officer, His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar, Sir David Steel KBE DL who was formally received and hosted by the Regiment’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Moore.

To mark the special occasion, the first round of the Royal Gun Salute was fired at 1200 under the watchful eye of the Battery Commander (BC) Major Garcia-White.

Members of the public gathered to watch the salute, which lasted just over three minutes as officers and veterans from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment stood to attention.

Major Garcia-White marched towards His Excellency, saluted, and reported that the Gun Salute was complete and that all guns were empty. The gun crews were then given a short address by His Excellency before he was invited to sign the Inspecting Officers’ book.

Passing out Parade

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment is delighted to announce that five new recruits have passed out from Infantry Training Centre Catterick.

Family and friends gathered to watch Private Elder, Private Rowarth, Private Paredes Almonte, Private Maxwell and Private Posso march out in their passing out parade after spending six months in ITC Catterick.

The Gibraltar Defence Police is pleased to announce another officer has recently qualified as an Emergency Response Driving Instructor.

PC McOuat is only the second Gibraltar Defence Police officer to undertake the course which trains the driver to drive under response conditions with the blue lights and sirens on during an emergency.

PC McOuat took part in the Emergency Response Driver Training (ERDT) course at the HM Customs Training Wing. After successfully completing the training, he decided to undertake the instructor’s course.

Four Gibraltar Defence Police Officers were invited to an award presentation held by Gibraltar Hearing Issues and Tinnitus Association (GHITA) and The Hon Samantha Sacramento MP.

The officers took part in a British Sign Language (BSL) Course which started at the beginning of the year and ended in June. The online course, taught by a UK based instructor and assisted by a local instructor, was held via Zoom every Monday and Wednesday over a five month period.

Gibraltar Defence Police Chief Rob Allen said, “Carrying out our duties as police officers, communication is a key skill. For those members of the community with speech or hearing impairment, sign language is vitally important.

“The officers involved in this learning gave up their own free time to take part in this course to improve their ability to communicate, demonstrating their willingness to go above and beyond their usual duties for the benefit of the police service and wider community.”

Battle of Trafalgar Ceremony

Members of British Forces Gibraltar gathered in the Trafalgar Cemetery to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar today, Friday 21 October 2022.

The service was attended by Commander British Forces, Commodore Tom Guy, His Excellency the Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, and the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, who each laid a wreath at the Admiral Lord Nelson Statue before the service commenced.

Commanding Officer RG Handover

After serving for three years, The Royal Gibraltar Regiment gave a big send off to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Simon Dyson as he left his position as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

The Battalion formed up on the Devils Tower Camp Parade Square and stood to attention as Commander British Forces, Commodore Tom Guy commended Lt Col Simon Dyson on his achievements over the past three years as CO.

Lt Col Dyson handed over the position of CO to his successor Lt Col Matt Moore.

Lt Col Simon Dyson said, “This week I have handed over to Lt Col Matt Moore, there are some bittersweet feelings about leaving, however I have had a great time here for the last three years.

“What they have delivered, the skill and dedication that the Royal Gibraltar Regiment have shown in the Public Duties both in the UK and here in Gibraltar was fantastic and I will always look on it with fond memories.”

Lt Col Matt Moore has been appointed as the CO of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and will remain in post until March 2025.

INS TARANGINI VISITS

British Forces Gibraltar was delighted to host the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tarangini.

INS Tarangini, the first Sail Training Ship of the Indian Navy, deployed from Kochi as part of Lokayan 22.

The ship, whose name comes from the Hindi word ‘Tarang’ meaning waves, is a three-masted steel barque, designed by Colin Mudie and built at Goa Shipyard Limited, Goa, India in November 1997.

Tarangini, which has a permanent crew of six officers and 30 sailors, is a near sister to STS Lord Nelson with the same hull and rig though with a different layout and deck works.

The ship carried out Flag Hoisting as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – the 76th Anniversary year of India’s Independence’ at London during the 76th Independence Day on 15 Aug 22.