HMS President Reservist Featured in Celebration of International Women’s Day

To coincide with International Women’s Day naval reservist Nicola Triggs of London’s HMS President has explained how her experiences in the RNR (Royal Naval Reserve) have roots in her own background.

Recently returned from mobilisation to Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Spey which was deployed to the Far East, Nicola Triggs is now back in her civilian role as a lead project planner for leading aerospace company Leonardo.  There she manages budgets, resources and schedules for various defence projects.

During her 12-month deployment she became an integral member of the ship’s company going through sea trials which tests the crew’s capabilities during emergencies, such as firefighting and as a member of the damage control team.

She said that highlights of her operational tour included taking charge of the fo’c’sle team when the ship came alongside in Cartagena, Colombia, the ship’s first foreign port and also being at the helm steering the ship through the Panama Canal.

Having joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 2009 Nicola, whose father and grandfather served in the armed forces, had planned to join the regular Royal Navy.  But after her life took a different path she realised she could have the best of both worlds and joined as a part-time volunteer reservist. 

Once through her specialist training she wanted to put this into practice and experience life on a Royal Navy vessel.  In 2013 she was mobilised to RFA Wave Ruler as part of the UK’s long-standing maritime presence in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. 

As a member of the ship’s Force Protection team her role was to promote enduring peace and stability in the region and ensuring the safe flow of oil and trade.

She also has several familial connections to the armed forces including her father Philip, a Leading Chef on HMS Eagle, an Audacious-class aircraft carrier, and her maternal Grandfather Albert Cutts, who served the nation during World War 2.

Commenting on her naval career she says, “I have been in the RNR for over twelve years now, and I have loved it. It’s an opportunity to learn so many new skills and meet people from all walks of life. Being deployed is a chance to realise that all the hard work has been worth it, getting to experience life at sea and travelling the world. Then having a civilian job to return to, it really is the best of both worlds.”