Royal Navy sailors 'hit 2021 running' during high-octane drills with Royal Marines

The crew of Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey have been put through their paces during a two-week stint at sea.

Rehearsing while patrolling around the British coast, the crew tackled everything from mock mechanical breakdowns and casualty drills, to damage control exercises.

Lieutenant Commander Will Edwards-Bannon, Mersey’s skipper, said his team rose to the challenge.

‘I couldn’t be prouder of Mersey’s fantastic ship’s company,’ he added. ‘Having successfully achieved a remarkable range of tasking over 2020, this diverse team – comprised of regular and reserve members of the Royal Navy from all across the Commonwealth and UK – have hit the ground running once again in 2021.

‘Adapting quickly to the evolving challenge of operating amidst a global pandemic, the team’s “can do, safely” attitude and discipline have helped keep both ourselves and our families safe while maintaining Mersey’s on-task, ready to protect our nation’s interests.’

As part of the ship’s training, the crew linked up with a team of Royal Marines from 42 Commando and 47 Commando to run mock boarding operations.

The Commandos are a key weapon in Mersey’s arsenal in tackling pirates, drug smugglers and terrorists.

As well as sharpening the Marines’ skills, Mersey was also a proving ground for the navy’s next generation of warfare officers.

The ship welcomed five junior leaders onto the ship as they learned the tricks of the trade behind become a second officer of the watch on the bridge – which included using a sextant, an historic navigation tool.

One of the trainees, Sub Lieutenant Emma Morley, said: ‘I have really liked the variety offered by my short time in the Royal Navy so far.

‘I have already had the chance to serve on operations in the Middle East and am now enjoying the opportunity to experience a different class of ship operating in UK home waters.’

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