Royal Navy Gibraltar squadron once again prove their fighting edge

The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) have successfully completed their annual Operational Sea Training (OST), a week that is designed to ensure the Squadron remains ready for operations.

The training, provided by Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) involved a week of intensive work within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW), and ranged from conducting fire fighting, damage control and first aid to live weapon training simulations, responding to attacks from small fast attack craft.

Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Kyle Walkley said: “Operational Sea Training is a once-a-year period during which a specialist team from the UK comes on board to make sure all of our personnel are ‘ready to fight’”.

All 26 personnel within the Squadron were assessed thoroughly, both at sea and ashore, to ensure that they remain capable of conducting their duties demonstrating sovereignty within BGTW, as well as providing Force Protection to maritime units within the area.

Most units proceed to Faslane or Plymouth in the UK to undergo their OST training, but RNGS are somewhat unique. Not only do FOST staff travel out to the Squadron, but standing operations must also continue.

Lt Cdr Walkley continued: “As well as undertaking an intensive week of FOST training, my teams also continue with their core mission, conducting sovereignty patrols through BGTW and Force Protection for visiting units – which this week included RFA Wave Knight. All of that amounts to a very busy, but ultimately a very professionally satisfying week for my sailors.”

The week ended with the Squadron achieving a coveted “Very Satisfactory” performance grading, having proved that they remain ready for anything for another year.