A Royal Navy squadron responsible for clearing mines on operations in the Middle East and across the globe has a new commanding officer.
Clyde-based First Mine Counter-Measures Squadron (MCM1) welcomed Commander Daniel Morris after Commander Jim Lovell handed over command.
“After commanding four Sandown-class mine hunters, it has been a privilege to command the Sandown Squadron,” said Cdr Lovell.
“It is a community full of fantastic people and I thank every one of them for their hard work, ability to react to change, and loyalty over the past 12-months.
“All in the First Mine Counter-Measures Squadron, along with our industry partners at Clyde, should be rightly proud of what they achieved, and continue to deliver, every single day.”
Cdr Morris, who was most recently deployed as Commander UK Mine Counter Measures Forces, has a wealth of experience.
He has previously commanded Portsmouth-based MCM2’s Crew 2 onboard HMS Brocklesby, Middleton, and Chiddingfold, spending much of his time in the Middle East on Operation Kipion, the name of the UK’s overarching mission in the Gulf region.
He said: “Having recently returned from Operation Kipion, I would like to thank Mine Warfare Battle Staff Red and Commander United Kingdom Strike Force for their support during Force Generation, deployment, and return to the UK.
“I am looking forward to returning to the Surface Flotilla and the opportunity to lead and support the commanding officers, crews, and staff of MCM1.”
The First Mine Counter-Measures Squadron is headquartered at HM Naval Base Clyde where it operates Sandown-class vessels which can be found in home waters or supporting NATO operations when not in the Gulf.
They also play a crucial role in supporting UK Defence by ensuring that historic ordnance is safely disposed of, and freedom of navigation is maintained.
