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    London

    09:41 GMT - 19 May 2012

    Royal Navy at London 2012

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    London

    14:17 GMT - 21 May 2012

    The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

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    Indian Ocean

    15:17 GMT - 16 May 2012

    East of Suez

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    RNAS Yeovilton

    15:54 GMT - 17 May 2012

    Home waters

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  • Current Location

    Afghanistan

    02:48 GMT - 16 May 2012

    Operation Herrick

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        42 Commando

        Recently returned from the sands of Helmand, 42 Commando Royal Marines are one of three elite battalion-sized units which make up the global punch of 3 Commando Brigade. Based in Bickleigh, just outside Plymouth, 42 Commando – pronounced Four-Two, not Forty-Two – had been tasked with the crucial security mission in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand.

        42 Commando Royal Marines

        From their main base in the town of Shahzad, the Royal Marines worked with the coalition's allies in the Afghan National Army and Police to bring peace and stability to the region.

        Now the green berets are benefitting from a period of recovery and rejuvenation after the demands of this major deployment.

        COMMANDING OFFICER

        Neil Sutherland

        Neil Sutherland
        RANK:
        Lieutenant Colonel
        JOINED:
        1991
        SPECIALISATION:
        Royal Marines
        PREVIOUS UNITS:
        42 Cdo, 40 Cdo
        Military experience

        Neil Sutherland joined the Royal Marines in 1991. After 15 months officer training, he spent 12 months as a Troop Commander in Comacchio Group, followed by 2 years as a Rifle Troop Commander in 42 Commando, which included an operational tour in Northern Ireland.

        A short stint followed as 42 Commando’s Training Officer, before a period at CTCRM as a Recruit Troop Commander and Company 2IC.

        He then trained as a Signals Officer and spent 2 years at 40 Commando which included an operational deployment to West Africa.

        On completion of the Army Junior Command and Staff Course, he spent a further 2 years attached to the Army which included 12 months studying for a Masters Degree.

        He then undertook an SO2 appointment in Fleet HQ, followed by the Advanced Command and Staff Course. Returning to 42 Commando, he spent 2 years as OC Kilo Company where he deployed on Op Herrick 5 to Afghanistan; for which he was awarded an MBE. An appointment then followed to HQ 3 Commando Brigade as SO2 G3 Plans.

        Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2008, he was appointed to the Permanent Joint Headquarters as the Operations Team Leader responsible for Counter Terrorism (Overseas) and Counter Piracy.

        He then served as the Executive Assistant to the Second Sea Lord. Lt Col Sutherland assumed command of 42 Commando on 26 January 2012.

        Neil Sutherland is married to Val and they have a son and two daughters.


        OPERATIONS

        Exercise Cold Response

        CURRENT STATUS: COMPLETED
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        MISSION SUMMARY

        Cold Response is a multinational exercise led by the Norwegian Armed Forces. While current operations are focussed on Afghanistan, it is vital that the Royal Navy maintains its amphibious capability in a cold weather environment. Cold Response brings together the Royal Marines, assault ships and other Fleet assets, and the helicopters of the Fleet Air Arm.

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        Operation Herrick

        CURRENT STATUS: COMPLETED
        image
        MISSION SUMMARY

        Operation Herrick is the code-name for the work UK Forces have been doing in Afghanistan since 2002, working to bring about stability in the country and maintain the forces of law and order, pushing back the Taliban and preventing them from using the country as a base for terrorism.

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        Royal Marines Officer

        We are the UK’s elite amphibious force. We use Royal Navy ships as a base and we launch operations from the sea, land or air. What makes us unique is our ability to operate in any location or environment. We’re...
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        Royal Marines Other Ranks

        Highly motivated, self sustained and versatile, the Royal Marines with their coveted green beret are the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry. They are one of the world's most respected military units, with a set of attitudes and abilities you won't find...
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        Royal Marines Reserve

        Highly motivated  self sustained and versatile The Royal Marines are The Royal Navys amphibious infantry. On permanent readiness to deploy across the globe  providing a strategic capability that is unique among the armed forces of the UK. ...
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