Royal Navy bomb disposal experts at HM Naval Base Clyde have a new Commanding Officer with the arrival of Lieutenant Commander Tony Hampshire.
Tony, who has previously served as Mine Counter Measures Staff Officer to the Faslane Flotilla, takes over from Lieutenant Commander Stephen Brown as CO of Northern Diving Group (NDG).
Steve commanded the unit from January 2014 to January 2016 and during that time also briefly commanded mine hunters HMS Bangor and Blyth.
During the two years Steve was in charge, NDG attended 205 Explosive Ordnance Disposal tasks, 46 significant operations, conducted 2,661 dives and took part in three NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) exercises.
Commanding NDG will be his final job in the Royal Navy as he will shortly retire from the Senior Service.
“My time in Northern Diving Group has been incredibly busy and phenomenally satisfying,” said Steve.
“It has been made even more special by the unique group of enthusiastic, friendly and professional divers and support staff who I’ve had the privilege to command.”
He continued: “The support which Northern Diving Group receives from Clyde has really enabled me to focus on operational success and while diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal is of course rewarding work, the relationships and positive developments I’ve enjoyed with NATO colleagues have equally enriched my time.”
New CO, Lieutenant Commander Tony Hampshire, trained as a Clearance Diving Officer in 2002 where received the Superintendent of Diving Trophy for best student.
He later went on to serve with HMS Atherstone and HMS Quorn before being appointed to the Defence Diving School and then a period in the Mediterranean with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2.
There followed a three year period seconded to the Royal Navy of Oman before he headed back to the UK to serve with the Faslane Flotilla.
“I would like to wish Steve all the best in his retirement and thank him for all his hard work and dedication during his time as CO of Northern Diving Group,” said Tony.
“I am very much looking forward to the job ahead and the challenges it will bring.”
