Reservist Mark enjoys Pacific deployment with HMS Tamar

ENJOYING the deployment of his career is Naval Reservist Mark Bramwell, mobilised to serve aboard HMS Tamar.

The HMS Vivid volunteer has been mobilised for 18 months as a general warfare rating to support Tamar’s long-term mission to the Indo-Pacific region.

Together with her sister HMS Spey, the Portsmouth-based Overseas Patrol Ship is reviving the Royal Navy’s permanent presence in the Pacific after a quarter of a century, responsible for a vast area from the eastern seaboard of Africa to the west coast of the USA.

The duo are currently in Hawaii before pushing westwards to their main operating area of the Pacific Rim.

It’s the sixth time the Worcestershire native – a traditional shipwright in civilian life – has mobilised on active naval service in 20 years with the Royal Naval Reserve.

Serving in the force protection role, Mark has served aboard half a dozen RFA ships around the world from the Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caribbean and now, aboard the new patrol ship in the Pacific.

“I have always had an interest in ships and the sea and knew I wanted a career in the maritime environment,” he says.

“Joining the Royal Naval Reserves gave me the opportunity to pursue both a civilian and military career side-by-side and has proven to be extremely rewarding travelling the globe whilst serving my country.”

His duties aboard Tamar include driving one of her two sea boats, providing protection for the ship both at sea and alongside, serving in first-aid parties, and representing the Navy and nation at ceremonial events.

His unit Commanding Officer in Plymouth Commander Serena Davis said Mark’s mobilisation underlined the broad range of skills and experience provided by reservists in support of the Navy’s front-line operations, be it at sea or ashore.

"Some people who have signed up for Reserve service as an adjunct to their civilian careers,” she continued. “Others are ex-Regular personnel who have transitioned to civilian career and want to maintain links with their friends and colleagues; all provide valuable knowledge, skills and experience to the Regular Service."