UK Prime Minister Goes Commando

The Prime Minister of UK Tony Blair flew into the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre yesterday (Thursday 11 January) as part of his whistle stop tour of South West establishments, prior to his Key Note address at Plymouth.

Arriving in a Royal Navy Merlin HM Mk 1 helicopter from the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, he was met by Brigadier Andy Salmon OBE ADC, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre.

Before being shown around the facilities at the Centre he placed a wreath at the Hardy memorial, which is dedicated to those Royal Marines who served and died in World War Two and in subsequent campaigns, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

During his brief visit, he observed physical training and spoke with members of Hunter Company, which deals with the rehabilitation of recruits injured during the 32 weeks of Commando Training.

He also took time to speak in private to families of Royal Marines currently serving in Afghanistan before addressing the unit.

The Prime Minister said, "The training of Royal Marines is of fundamental importance to the security of the United Kingdom and the wider world"

He also added, "The green beret is probably one of the most difficult things to get in any armed force, anywhere in the world".

Before making his way to a live television debate, filmed at the Royal Marines state of the art presentation suite 'The Falklands Hall', he was presented with a Fairbain-Sykes Fighting knife (Commando dagger) designed by a Royal Marines Officer for use by World War Two Commandos.

Captain Mark Latham Royal Marines, who orchestrated this high-level visit said, "It was a privilege to have the Prime Minister here to see first hand how we train Royal Marines Commandos, who are ready on completion of this training to serve as many are doing today in both Iraq and Afghanistan". - Royal Navy

Teaser

The Prime Minister of UK Tony Blair flew into the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre yesterday (Thursday 11 January) as part of his whistle stop tour of South West establishments, prior to his Key Note address at Plymouth.

Body Text

Arriving in a Royal Navy Merlin HM Mk 1 helicopter from the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, he was met by Brigadier Andy Salmon OBE ADC, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre.

Before being shown around the facilities at the Centre he placed a wreath at the Hardy memorial, which is dedicated to those Royal Marines who served and died in World War Two and in subsequent campaigns, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

During his brief visit, he observed physical training and spoke with members of Hunter Company, which deals with the rehabilitation of recruits injured during the 32 weeks of Commando Training.

He also took time to speak in private to families of Royal Marines currently serving in Afghanistan before addressing the unit.

The Prime Minister said, "The training of Royal Marines is of fundamental importance to the security of the United Kingdom and the wider world"

He also added, "The green beret is probably one of the most difficult things to get in any armed force, anywhere in the world".

Before making his way to a live television debate, filmed at the Royal Marines state of the art presentation suite 'The Falklands Hall', he was presented with a Fairbain-Sykes Fighting knife (Commando dagger) designed by a Royal Marines Officer for use by World War Two Commandos.

Captain Mark Latham Royal Marines, who orchestrated this high-level visit said, "It was a privilege to have the Prime Minister here to see first hand how we train Royal Marines Commandos, who are ready on completion of this training to serve as many are doing today in both Iraq and Afghanistan". - Royal Navy