Two institutions of the Royal Marines Commandos: The Captain General HRH The Duke of Sussex (foreground), the Dewerstone (skyline - The 30-miler finishes below it and 42 Cdo run up it).
A lot has to happen to make a JPR mission into hostile territory work. This shows a small but crucial part of it: the action of the helicopter-inserted Ground Extraction Force. L Coy (shown) is leading the way for UK ground forces. Especially relevant for the QE Carriers.
Part of Ex Joint Warrior, this mission was a 600mile round trip from Somerset to Northumberland and back, supported by Typhoons, Apaches, Wildcats and a C130 Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP). First rehearsal of its kind, and dependent on the small band of Commandos at its heart.
This is called fast roping - a particularly efficient way of disembarking a helicopter if it can’t land easily e.g. on ships with no helipad.
Here our Marines train with a SH60 Seahawk from USNS Medgar Evers. And yes, it is every bit as fun as it looks.
You’ll have seen the legendary ice breaking drill, but this is what happens afterwards.
Demonstrated here by our @usmc cousins with their typical respect and exuberance. (3d Bn, 8th Marines training with our Recce Tp)
A good illustration of the precarious nature of a high-sided vessel climb when conducting maritime assault. It’s even harder than it looks.
The climbing frame here is RFA Tiderace, the new tanker.
L Coy and 845 Sqn conduct the first ever tactical rehearsals of RN joint personnel recovery from HMS Queen Elizabeth. Note the Commando Sappers from 24 Cdo Royal Engineers bringing their vital skills. Seamless cross-teaming even at small scale.
Check this out from one of our alumni. This is the spirit we still want and need. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
The letter and flag are being mounted for Cdo HQ.
