HMS CALLIOPE

01/06/2026

Congratulations to all the Royal Naval Reservists who recently completed their confirmation course at HMS Raleigh.

Our AB2 Mel from HMS Calliope has successfully completed the course and said:
“I had the best 2 weeks, not at all what I expected. It was challenging, but without doubt a fantastic fortnight.”

She is looking forward to completing the next stage of her training and then looking to contribute as much as possible to the Royal Navy, whilst also spending quality time with her young daughter.

A fluent Spanish speaker, having grown up in Spain, Mel has always been interested in the military. As a proud mum, being a reservist is a great way of being part of the navy whilst also spending quality time with her daughter.

Mel added that she “Loved being pushed beyond my limits, but the highlight was seeing her daughter come to the parade. She is excited for what’s to come and is looking forward to making the most of opportunities to work with the Navy.”

Thank you to everyone who made this happen - from our initial naval training, permanent and administration staff in unit to the National teams and the instructors at HMS Raleigh. A big thank you to friends and families too, who do so much to support our reservists when they go away to attend training courses, exercises or support operations. It is appreciated and it all goes a long way to delivering the next generation of Reservists!

01/06/2026

What a lovely post… and from all at HMS Calliope, thank you to the staff, committees, adults, friends, donors and any else who volunteers their time to support our local Sea Cadet Units. You all do a fantastic job and give the young people such a great start in life.

And well done to the Cadets too!!!

31/05/2026

Today is the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, which took place in World War 1. One of HMS Calliope’s predecessors was the flagship of the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron and directly attached to the Grand Fleet.

Calliope was very heavily engaged in fighting back the German torpedo attack that led to Jellicoe’s “Turn Away”. She was hit three times and around ten of the ship’s company were sadly killed in action.

Jutland is one of the Battle Honours awarded to the unit. As a modern and innovative Maritime Reserve Unit, the Battle Honour reminds us of our past, and today’s unit continues to develop and maintain the leadership, teamwork and fighting spirit associated with it.

Here are a selection of photos showing:
1. The cruiser HMS Calliope, which fought in World War 1 at Jutland.
2. AB Seb, proudly wearing a unit badge, on board World War 2 veteran HMS Belfast, learning about another warship with a proud past.
3. Today’s reservists carrying out training at sea with the Royal Navy, honing their skills to be ready to deploy on operations around the world.
4. Jim, one of our extended unit family members, making up commemorative badges for the ship’s company - note the shape of them… they are 5 sided which is the shape allocated given to cruisers, reminding us of our unique battle honour.

28/05/2026

Congratulations to S/Lt James, who was awarded his commissioning scroll by the Commanding Officer last night.

In his day job, James is a manager at a distribution Centre for a major multinational company. In the Reserves, he’s looking forward to progressing his Specialist Training, whilst also continuing to lead and manage his Division.

Well done James and good luck on your future endeavours with the Royal Navy!

27/05/2026

Here’s an update from AB Seb Brass on his progress in the Merchant Navy. It’s great see the support and development opportunities he has been given on his journey.

We’re pleased to have him as a member of our Ship’s Company and wish him all the best on his adventures in Alaska!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/17dH6NVuFr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

23/05/2026

Well done to all at Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets - what a smart turn out and it’s lovely to see you all representing the Senior Service so well. Congratulations to all involved!

21/05/2026

Well done to James from HMS FLYING FOX and all involved!

Junior Royal Navy officers saved the life of a man attempting to swim one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

20/05/2026

Petty Officer Dave from HMS CALLIOPE was privileged to represent the Senior Service at the funeral of World War Two Royal Navy Veteran Ted Amos.

Ted joined the Royal Navy in 1944, serving on several vessels including the battleship HMS Resolution. He remained immensely proud of his time in the Senior Service—an enduring reflection of his commitment and character.

PO Dave, one of our most senior Reservists, attended his 100th birthday party earlier this year and presented Ted with a Challenge Coin and a birthday card signed by the entire Ship’s Company. A special message from Their Majesties The King and Queen also marked this remarkable milestone.

We are grateful for the service of all our veterans - it was an honour to represent the Royal Navy at both of these occasions and acknowledge their courage, commitment and loyalty, enduring core values in today’s Royal Navy.

PO Dave reflected, Ted was “an inspiration, gentleman and living proof of being once Navy, always Navy.”

Fair winds and following seas, Ted. Thank you for your service from your shipmates at HMS Calliope.

19/05/2026

What a great way to give important life skills to young people at an early age. Well done to the team at Hebburn Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets -TS Kelly for developing the next generation!

19/05/2026

We’re rolling out the Pan Defence Skills Framework across the Royal Naval Reserve, alongside our regular an reserve counterparts from the other services and with our colleagues from the Civil Service. It’s an exciting framework with plenty of potential applications and opportunities for our people.

See below to find out more!

⚓ FROM THE QUARTERDECK – WEEKLY UPDATES FROM HMS WILDFIRE ⚓

This week at HMS WILDFIRE, personnel received a briefing on the Pan Defence Skills Framework (PDSF) and what it means for us as members of the Royal Naval Reserve.

The session highlighted one of the RNR’s greatest strengths, the extraordinary breadth of civilian expertise our people bring alongside their military training. From vehicle maintenance and engineering to policy development and ministerial advice, the discussion showcased the depth of professional knowledge held across the unit.

The PDSF provides Defence with a clearer and more structured way to identify, capture, and validate these transferable skills. By recognising both civilian and military expertise, the framework will help improve how personnel are matched to roles, strengthen operational effectiveness, and ensure Defence makes the best possible use of the talent available across the Force.

For reservists in particular, this represents a significant opportunity to better integrate the specialist skills developed in civilian careers into Defence capability.