Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Milestone as HMS Calliope launches new boats
9 March 2021
ROYAL Navy reservists at HMS Calliope marked a milestone as the unit’s new RHIBs took to the water for the first time.
The rigid hulled inflatable boats were lowered into Royal Quays Marina near the mouth of the River Tyne and taken eight miles (13km) upriver to Calliope’s headquarters at Gateshead.
The new boats are part of the Maritime Reserves’ transformation to better support the Royal Navy, with Calliope, Cambria in Cardiff and Eaglet in Liverpool each receiving two Gemini RHIBs.
The training will be based around the internationally-recognised RYA Powerboat Scheme which includes essential skills of seamanship, navigation and radio communications.
These RHIBs will play a significant part in shaping the future organisation and the future workforce of Maritime Reserves in the North East.
Calliope’s Commanding Officer, Commander Chris Bovill, said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering maritime capability to the RNR.
“These RHIBs will play a significant part in shaping the future organisation and the future workforce of Maritime Reserves in the North East at HMS Calliope.”
The RHIBs will be used to train reservists, enabling them to serve at sea with the Royal Navy fleet.