Head of Royal Navy praises Plymouth for their support

The head of the Royal Navy praised the people of Plymouth for their support of sailors, soldiers and airmen at the largest Armed Forces Weekend event in the UK.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, Chief of the Naval Staff, a guest at  Plymouth Armed Forces Weekend, said: “It is a great honour to be at the Plymouth Armed Forces Weekend.  I have spent a lot of naval career in Devonport and it’s always a pleasure to return to Plymouth.’’

He added: “Plymouth’s event is not just a day but a whole weekend. This demonstrates the strong support of the people of Plymouth and Devon for the armed forces and is a huge accolade for everyone here. 

"There have always been very strong links between the people of Plymouth and the Royal Navy especially. It’s heart warming to see such big crowds on Plymouth Hoe showing mutual support to each other.’’

Thousands of serving and civilian residents flocked from the city and throughout the South West to Plymouth Hoe to see the Armed Forces show off their professional skills and meet their uniformed counterparts as both showed their respect to each other.

Highlights were an RAF and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service, Freedom of the city by 6 Rifles, HM Naval Base Devonport v HMS Raleigh Field Gun Competition, a junior field gun run, air displays and evening and day time music entertainment.