All change at the top for Gibraltar Squadron

It is all change at the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS), as Lieutenant Commander Tom Loxton becomes the Squadron’s new Commanding Officer and Lieutenant Kyle Walkley assumes Command of HMS Scimitar.

On assuming Command, Lt Cdr Loxton said: “Having spent just over a year in Gibraltar as HMS Scimitar’s Commanding Officer, I now find myself in an incredibly privileged position of taking over as the Squadron’s new Commanding Officer. 

“I look forward to leading my highly capable team of sailors and marines and ensuring that this Squadron remains one of the most operationally focused units in the Royal Navy. 

“It is a particularly exciting time for the Squadron and Gibraltar as the procurement process for HMS Scimitar and Sabre’s replacements has now officially begun.”

The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron is the Royal Navy’s team of 26 personnel permanently based on The Rock, operating two fast patrol boats HMS Sabre, her sister ship HMS Scimitar and three Pacific 24 RHIBs. 

The small but extremely capable team is specifically responsible for maintaining the sovereignty of the British Overseas Territory as well as providing force protection to the area’s maritime environment.

Lt Walkley joined the Royal Navy in 2010 and most recently served as the Navigating Officer in the Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond, conducting maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf and NATO exercises in the Mediterranean.

On assuming Command of HMS Scimitar, he said: “It is such a privilege to command at any level and I am looking forward to ensuring Scimitar plays her part in the Squadron’s busy operational schedule.”