HMS Calliope, the north east’s Royal Naval Reserve training unit based on Gateshead Quayside, has formally re-opened after a £3.1 million upgrade to become a major hub for Reserve Forces in the region.
Royal Marines Reservists from RMR Scotland (Tyne Detachment), who were previously based in Anzio House on the north side of the river, have relocated into the building and, together with their colleagues from the Royal Naval Reserves, are benefitting from a new state-of-the-art fitness suite, climbing wall, boat store, improved classrooms and new office facilities.
Externally the building has received a facelift which includes better lighting and signage more befitting of its prominent Quayside location.
The merger has not only provided better training facilities but brought about greater efficiency and savings for the Reserve Forces.
To mark the occasion a rededication parade took place in Baltic Square on Saturday 9 April with local Reservists and The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland parading in front of local business and civic dignitaries, senior naval officers, members from the North of England Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (who project managed the job), the architects and contractors, plus families and friends.
Commander Ian White, Commanding Officer of HMS Calliope, said: “I am extremely excited by our new improved facilities and it is a visible sign of the Royal Navy’s commitment to the North East and her Reserve Forces.
“It will help to train and equip our current and future Maritime Reservists to meet the demands of a complex and ever-changing world.”
Local Reservist Leading Hand Elle Forrest from Chester-le-Street, who deployed to Bahrain in 2010, said: “It’s been a brilliant day. The fitness training I received at HMS Calliope before I went to Bahrain was crucial for me to conduct my duties.
“Our new facilities will not only help keep us fit, but will help our professional training and make us better prepared for our role.”
HMS Calliope also houses the Defence Training Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS), Northumbrian Universities Royal Naval Unit (URNU) and the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
The upgrade has been conducted as part of the Government’s current commitment to invest and support the Reserve Forces which includes financial incentives, integrated training with the Regular Forces and better provision of equipment.
There has been a permanent Royal Naval Reserve presence on Tyneside since 1905, with a training ship berthed at Elswick through both World Wars right up to the 1960s.
In 1968 the unit moved ashore to its current location. With her recent facelift HMS Calliope can now hold her head up high next to her iconic cultural neighbours, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage in Gateshead.
Reservists from HMS Calliope and RMR Scotland (Tyne Detachment) have deployed with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Gulf, on anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, and have supported the security effort at the London Olympics and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Recruitment evenings are held at HMS Calliope from 6pm – 9pm on the second Tuesday of every month.
