Gibraltar

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 01 Jul 2016, 13:01

Commodore Mike Walliker Is The New CBF

Commodore Mike Walliker OBE RN has been appointed as the new Commander British Forces Gibraltar with effect from the 14th July in succession to Commodore Ian McGhie MA RN.

Commodore McGhie is retiring from the Royal Navy and will settle in Gibraltar with his wife Doreen having completed a successful and enjoyable tour.

Commodore Walliker was promoted to Commodore in 2014 and assumed the role of Commander Faslane Flotilla and Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines on 12 June 2014. On 1 January 2016, with the formation of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Walliker also became Commander Submarine Flotilla.

http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/society/ ... he-new-cbf

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 01 Jul 2016, 20:49

HMS Ambush departs:

RAF Hercules SPAG:

Hawks from 736 NAS arrive in advance of Exercise Deep Blue:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 02 Jul 2016, 11:19

HMS Mersey arrived at Gibraltar this morning.

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 04 Jul 2016, 08:30

Kent & Mersey at HMNB Gibraltar

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 04 Jul 2016, 08:53

Merlin & Wildcat at RAF Gibraltar for Exercise Deep Blue:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 05 Jul 2016, 10:15

HMS Kent leaving Gib again this morning:

More Hawks arrived yesterday, as well as a Sea King ASaC7:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 07 Jul 2016, 16:13

Hawks taking off for Exercise Deep Blue:

HMS Kent returned this afternoon:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:10

New HQ For The Gibraltar Defence Police

North Gate House, the new Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Headquarters in the Naval Base, was officially opened this morning by the Chief Minister. The restored warehouse will now serve as the force’s new home following its relocation from Rooke as part of the gradual transfer of that site to the Government.

The building has been subject to extensive work and has been “sympathetically restored” in keeping with its age and heritage. It provides a Headquarters for the Gibraltar Defence Police, a Police Station with a fully modernised control room as well as a Headquarters and other facilities for the Joint Provost and Security Unit.

http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/crime-po ... nce-police

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 08 Jul 2016, 14:38

HMS Scimitar provided escort for the Gibraltar-Morocco yacht rally this afternoon:

JayDee · Post by **JayDee** » 11 Jul 2016, 23:12

Spain Summons UK Ambassador Over Gibraltar Spat

Spain has summoned Britain's ambassador to protest what it has described as "reckless behaviour" by a police patrol boat in Gibraltar.

Spain's foreign ministry said the crew of the Royal Gibraltar Police approached a Spanish police boat at high speed on two occasions, only to divert at the last moment to avoid a collision.

It said the incident, which occurred in waters between Gibraltar and Spain, had put the crews of both vessels at risk.

The dispute is the latest in a long line of diplomatic spats over the disputed British territory, which Madrid has long claimed should be returned to Spanish sovereignty.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said: "The RGP patrol boat, which was sailing at a high speed, diverted course just a few metres (yards) from the Spanish boat, causing a big wave that unsettled the Spanish police vessel.

"Its irresponsible and reckless manoeuvre created a significant, clear and sudden risk for the safety of both official boats and their crew," it said.

http://news.sky.com/story/spain-summons ... t-10499070

Is that not what spain does almost everyday?

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 12 Jul 2016, 08:17

JayDee wrote:
Is that not what spain does almost everyday?

Pretty much.

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 12 Jul 2016, 08:23

Yesterday HMS Kent, Ambush, a Merlin and 2 Hawks on exercise visible from the beaches on the east side of Gib. HMS Ocean was apparently just over the horizon, though I didn't see her myself. If any photos surface, I'll post here.

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 13 Jul 2016, 08:54

HMS Ocean appeared off the east coast of Gibraltar yesterday before sailing south, around Europa Point and into the bay, heading to the naval base via the north entrance of the harbour:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 13 Jul 2016, 09:03

HMS Ocean, Kent & Mersey at Gibraltar:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 13 Jul 2016, 10:24

Med focus raises Gib’s military profile in uncertain times

Britain’s increasing focus on defence issues in the Mediterranean region has raised Gibraltar’s profile as a military base, the Commander British Forces said in his last interview before retiring from the role.
Commodore Ian McGhie, who will step down as CBF tomorrow, said geostrategic developments across the Mediterranean basin had strengthened the Rock’s role as an important staging post for the UK and its allies.
“The Mediterranean is becoming an increasing focal point of UK defence interests,” he said.
“I think that Gibraltar, moving forward, has an even stronger case to make as regarding being the forward mounting base of choice.”
The CBF was speaking to the Chronicle yesterday morning in his office in The Tower, but the reality of what he was saying could be seen just a few feet away.
Outside, HMS Mersey and HMS Kent were berthed alongside at the Naval Base. On the quayside, Royal Marines prepared amphibious vehicles ready to be loaded on to HMS Ocean, which was due in port later that day.
The Commodore’s positive parting assessment is significant because his successor, Commodore Mike Walliker, takes over at a time of cuts across much of the UK’s global military operations.

http://chronicle.gi/2016/07/med-focus-r ... ain-times/

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 13 Jul 2016, 10:30

CBF: Gibraltar Now Getting “More Bang For Its Buck” When Tackling Spanish Incursions

Gibraltar’s Commander of British Forces these past two years, Commodore Ian McGhie, is retiring from the post later this week. He’ll be replaced by Commodore Mike Walliker.

We caught up with him to speak about the highlights and challenges he’s faced during his time as the most senior military officer on the Rock.

What has your time on the Rock as CBF been like?

I think this answer falls into two buckets: there’s a personal side and a professional side. I’ll take the personal side first. Doreen and I immediately found Gibraltar an intoxicating place. Gibraltarians were very warm and open and welcoming to us. Enjoying living in Gibraltar with Gibraltarians was definitely one of the highlights for us.

On the work front, I think we’ve had lots of opportunities which we’ve exploited positively like the runway resurfacing which we did without too much disruption. We’ve also done another lands agreement which I think is good for both the MoD and the Government of Gibraltar. We’ve also transferred what was the Defence Fire Service to the new Airport Fire and Rescue Service. There are lots and lots of positive things that I look back at like a new Officers’ Mess, a new band block and a new facility for the GDP. There have been many, many highs – perhaps mixed with the odd low but predominantly I feel very buoyant as I step off the post of CBF.

How has the response to repeated incursions by Spanish state vessels evolved in your time as CBF?

Without going into too much detail, I would say that following a spate of what I would call irresponsible actions out in the water by some Spanish government vessels, we did last autumn change our patrol posture. Whilst those sorts of incidents do occasionally occur, I think we have seen a relative downturn in the more serious incursions that give us all cause for concern. As ever, we have to monitor to this and, along with our colleagues at the RGP, HM Customs and GDP out on the water, we have to make sure that what resources we’ve got are shared out equitably so we deliver most effect.

That’s another highlight: the cross-agency interactions are far better placed now because people want to collectively work together to deliver some good. Gibraltar is now getting more bang for its buck.

Why does Gibraltar still matter to the MoD? A decrease in the MoD’s footprint on the Rock still means we remain of strategic value, right?

The two main drivers that make Gibraltar a forward mounting base of choice – a maritime and air pit stop – are its strategic location and the fact that it’s a very welcoming and accommodating place for military activity. So yes, location is key as it’s one of the busiest and most important seaways in the world. But we must also note that we are very well supported out here by everybody from the Chief Minister down to the gentleman and lady on the street.

One of the most tragic events during your time as CBF was the death of Private Matthew Boyd in Wales. How did that affect the Regiment and the wider MoD in Gibraltar?

It had a real impact. First of all, I’d like to say that my heart remains out to Matthew’s family. It had an immediate, deep and poignant impact on all of us including UK defence personnel not on the Rock. It really hit the Regiment and it really hit Gibraltarians. As we all know the Royal Gibraltar Regiment is the people of Gibraltar’s regiment. The Regiment reacted stoically and sympathetically and they did what they had to do which was be deeply affected by Matthew’s tragic demise but also, at the same time, they dusted themselves off pretty quickly. Of course, it’ll never be life as normal as regards Matthew – we’ll always remember him.

What’s next for Commodore Ian McGhie? Where are you headed after retirement?

When I came here, Doreen and I said we really enjoyed and loved Gibraltar and we’re about to prove it because I’ve decided to retire slightly early from the Navy which has been a brilliant employer for me and we have set up our own management consultancy company called Highfield Consultants. Our future is very much in Gibraltar.

http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/society/ ... incursions

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 13 Jul 2016, 16:15

Gibraltar:Written question - 905822

Asked by Robert Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect the interests of Gibraltar as a result of the outcome of the EU referendum.

Answered by: Mr David Lidington

I saw the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, yesterday; it was my third such conversation with him since the UK referendum. I have not only recommitted the British Government to the full involvement of Gibraltar in the negotiations for our exit from and subsequent relationship with the EU 27; I have also invited the Chief Minister to identify the key economic priorities for the people of Gibraltar as we approach those negotiations.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... 06/905822/

zanahoria · Post by **zanahoria** » 31 Jul 2016, 12:03

Spain risks incident in Gibraltar, MPs warn Nato - The Telegraph
https://apple.news/AcfUBQbEdSaG5Qyxtm0Y5ZA

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 02 Aug 2016, 08:20

Gib mentioned in MoD hotel expenditure

The Ministry of Defence has been criticised for spending tens of thousands of pounds on stays at luxurious hotels, including the Sunborn five-star super yacht in Gibraltar.
According to the Sunday Times, senior military personnel and officials last year enjoyed 75 stays in hotel rooms that cost more than £300 a night. The stays totalled £121,463.
The MoD spent £222 million on travel and hotels in 2014-15, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.
The expenditure on lavish accommodation comes after years of austerity, which has seen pay freezes and more than 35,000 job cuts across the armed forces since 2011.
It also comes just weeks after a report by MPs which said that housing for Britain’s service personnel was so bad that families often had to live without basics such as heating and hot water.
The biggest hotel bill was run up on board Gibraltar’s five-star Sunborn yacht hotel according to the article. A 20 night stay cost personnel £8,880.

http://chronicle.gi/2016/08/five-star-g ... otel-bill/

SKB · Post by **SKB** » 02 Aug 2016, 10:22

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 09 Aug 2016, 10:37

Exercise Barbary Commando '16

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mosh70/se ... 9092957794

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 18 Aug 2016, 14:51

Search underway for several suspected illegal immigrants of North African origin, who crossed the strait in a small RIB and landed on a local beach early this morning, some already detained: http://chronicle.gi/2016/08/migrants-co ... talan-bay/

First incident of this kind in several years, illegal immigration/people smuggling is not new in the strait (and has been on the increase) but usually they will head to Spain.

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 19 Aug 2016, 16:55

Merlin Mk3s prove their mettle in day-long Gibraltar transit

Deploying at short notice to locations across the globe is something all Commando Helicopter Force aircraft and personnel must be ready for.

So pilots, aircrew and engineers left their base at RNAS Yeovilton for a day-long journey to Gibraltar via France, Spain and Portugal with two of the green Merlin Mk3 helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS).

The Royal Marines flying wing was taking part in Exercise Barbary Commando 16, the aim of which is to train students from the Operational Conversion Flight and complete one of the final elements they need to become qualified Commando Merlin pilots and aircrew.

“This has been yet another first for the Commando Merlin,” said Detachment Commander Lieutenant Commander Alex Hampson.

“We have proved the utility of range and speed available with Merlin by deploying at short notice to an airfield over 1,400 flying miles away with just two stops for fuel in a single day.”

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-la ... ar-transit

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 01 Sep 2016, 16:53

RFA Mounts Bay arriving at Gibraltar today:

Royal Netherlands Air Force C-130H also arrived today:

GibMariner · Post by **GibMariner** » 02 Sep 2016, 14:38

Royal Netherlands Navy submarine Bruinvis arriving at Gib this afternoon:

Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar

Re: Gibraltar