First Captain joins HMS Prince of Wales

HMS Prince of Wales has reached a major milestone in her programme with the arrival of her first dedicated Senior Naval Officer, Captain Ian Groom, on 23 May 2016.

On joining the ship, and taking over the reins from Captain Simon Petitt, Captain Groom said: "It is a true honour to have been selected for this role. Today marks a proud moment in my naval career as I assume responsibility for the rapidly growing Ship’s Company of HMS Prince of Wales. I am delighted to join at such an exciting time and be part of such a professional and dedicated team."

As the title of Senior Naval Officer suggests, Captain Groom is the Royal Navy's man in charge of the construction phase for HMS Prince of Wales. In a role akin to that of 'commanding officer' of the ship as she develops through her build in Rosyth, Captain Groom is responsible for leading the ship's company as they learn about the ship and understand how they will operate her in the not too distant future.

Talking about his ship's company, Captain Groom said: "My team's role is to work alongside the Aircraft Carrier Alliance to help commission the ship and, just as importantly, work closely with the Ship's Company of HMS Queen Elizabeth to draw on their experience and learn from them first hand; together we will develop and hone the capability of these great ships."

A Mariner Engineer by trade, Captain Groom joined the Royal Navy in 1986. He has enjoyed a prestigious and varied career thus far encompassing both Sea and Shore appointments, which began with initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College and includes HMS Birmingham, HMS Nottingham and HMS Bulwark. Prior to being selected to join HMS Prince of Wales, Captain Groom served as the lead Marine Engineering Officer for policy in the Royal Navy in his role as Fleet Marine Engineer Officer in Navy Command Headquarters.

With his vast experience from almost three decades in the Royal Navy, and as a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, he is looking forward to the taking on the challenge, whilst reaping the rewards, of generating HMS Prince of Wales Ship’s Company through the build stage.