Royal Naval Reservist On Operations With HMS Trent

A Royal Navy Reservist from Plymouth has recently returned from mobilisation to Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Trent as the media officer to Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) while the ship patrolled the Eastern Mediterranean.

Serving alongside other reservist and regular personnel in the ship’s company, plastics scientist Imogen Napper was mobilised from her role at Plymouth University to coordinate HMS Trent’s media relations activity. HMS Trent, the third vessel of her class, is deployed to the Mediterranean to support NATO on its international security mission. An expedition scientist and specialist in plastic pollution in her day job, Imogen holds a doctorate in understanding the sources and fate of pollution in the world’s oceans.

Commenting on her four-week deployment, she said, “I joined the Royal Naval Reserves after hearing stories from my family who had served in the Royal Navy.  The camaraderie of the ship, being at sea and being part of a team working towards a shared goal is a completely unique experience. 

“I’m able to use the skills that I have learnt in my civilian life and use them to promote the work the Royal Navy is doing. Having the opportunity to join the Ship’s Company of HMS Trent as Public Relations Officer in a NATO Task Group during a time of uncertainty in the Eastern Mediterranean is exactly why I joined. We are currently working alongside ships, submarines and aircraft from seven NATO nations. I’m extremely proud to represent the Royal Naval Reserve on the global stage”.

Commander Tom Knott, Commanding Officer of HMS Trent, said, “Royal Naval Reservists bring specialist skills that can be integral to our tasking. On joining HMS Trent’s Ship’s Company, Reservists immediately enhance our capacity, fulfil bespoke roles and broaden our diversity. HMS Trent has been permanently conducting forward deployed operations since March 2021 with reservists embarked throughout that time. We intend to maximise our deployed operational capability through continuous augmentation of Royal Naval Reservists where, in turn, they will be professionally challenged and personally thrive.”