New CBF takes command

Military and civilian personnel attended a Change of Command ceremony at HM Naval Base Gibraltar this week.

The outgoing Commander British Forces (CBF), Commodore Ian McGhie, who is retiring from the Royal Navy, is succeeded by Commodore Mike Walliker.

Personnel gathered in the Tower courtyard to say farewell to Commodore and Mrs McGhie and presented them with farewell gifts.

Commodore and Mrs McGhie left the naval base aboard HMS Sabre and were escorted by HMS Scimitar, two Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron RHIBs and the Gibraltar Defence Police maritime section.

After meeting his senior team and their families, Commodore Walliker was invited to inspect a Saluting Battery of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and an 11-gun salute was fired in recognition of the assumption of office as Commander British Forces Gibraltar.

Commander British Forces Commodore Mike Walliker OBE RN
Photo by Cpl Scott Robertson RAF
Command Photographer British Forces Gibraltar

After a varied career, which has included a variety of sea and land-based appointments, Commodore Walliker comes to Gibraltar from HM Naval Base, Clyde.

In his last role he was Commander Faslane Flotilla and Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and on January , 2016, with the formation of the Submarine Flotilla, he also became Commander Submarine Flotilla.

“It is a huge honour and privilege to take over today as Commander British Forces Gibraltar and I am delighted to be here with my wife and children,” he said.

“I have visited Gibraltar many times during my naval career, not least the happy ten months I spent here in command of HMS Tireless some fifteen years ago.”

Commodore Walliker will be accompanied by his wife Charlotte and his two children Lucy and Jonty.