Navy

HMS Calliope Launches New Boats For Reservist Training

Royal Navy reservists at HMS Calliope have marked a milestone as the unit's new rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) took to the water for the first time.

The boats were lowered into Royal Quays Marina, near the mouth of the River Tyne, and taken eight miles upriver to Calliope's headquarters at Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

They will be used to train reservists, enabling them to serve at sea with the Royal Navy fleet.

Commander Chris Bovill, HMS Calliope's Commanding Officer, said it was a "significant milestone in delivering maritime capability" to the Royal Navy's reserves.

One of the new RHIBs belonging to HMS Calliope, in the River Tyne, which are set to be used to train Royal Navy reservists — The new RHIBs will be used to train reservists to serve at sea alongside the Royal Navy fleet (Picture: Royal Navy).

"These RHIBs will play a significant part in shaping the future organisation and the future workforce of maritime reserves in the North East at HMS Calliope," he said.

The training will be based around the RYA Powerboat scheme and includes the essential skills of seamanship, navigation and radio communications.

Alongside HMS Calliope, HMS Cambria in Cardiff and HMS Eaglet in Liverpool will each receive two Gemini RHIBs.

Cover image: New RHIBs belonging to HMS Calliope will be used to train Royal Navy reservists (Picture: Royal Navy).