Major exercise at Ballykinlar camp

Major exercise at Ballykinlar camp

22 March 2017

THE Royal Navy has hosted its largest reserve exercise of the year in Dundrum bay.

Over 120 reservists from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines came together on the Ballykinlar ranges to take part in the exercise, which was designed to provide enhanced training to naval reservists as they prepare to support the Royal Navy on defence operations.

Local reservists were joined by others from across the UK to train in boat handling, force protection and leadership skills.

The reservists had to complete a number of tasks which developed their core maritime skills, including navigation in rigid inflatable boats in Dundrum Bay, judgemental shooting and first aid.  

Commanding Officer of HMS Hibernia, which hosted the event, Commander Neil Downing, said the exercise was a great opportunity for people of all ranks and rates to gain valuable core maritime skills and general naval training. 

“It is vital that reservists develop these skills so they can seamlessly deploy with the Royal Navy in their specialist reservist roles as part of the whole force,” he said.