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43 Commando
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

43 Commando

43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland.

Role

43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines have a vital core mission: preventing unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent. They work on operations in the UK, and refine their skills through continuous training exercises at home and abroad.

The unit is also part of 3 Commando Brigade, the UK’s high-readiness expeditionary amphibious force. From counter-piracy and counter-narcotics to maritime interdiction operations, 3 Commando Brigade protects, secures and safeguards across the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

Capability

From snipers who can disable a moving speedboat from a pursuit helicopter, through to close combat and cold-weather warfare specialists, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines are the elite warriors who protect the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent.

The unit works closely with the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) Police but also supports the Atomic Weapons Establishment, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard.

Ready and able 24/7/365, 43 Commando delivers specialist capability in a uniquely complex urban, maritime, industrial environment.

Crew

Led by Colonel A. L. de Reya, O and P Squadrons specialise in waterfront nuclear security, while R Squadron focus on dynamic nuclear security on the Clyde and throughout the UK. Skills include: 

  • Close Quarter Battle
  • Waterfront nuclear security
  • Dynamic nuclear security on the Clyde and throughout the UK
  • Specialist military capability within a complex urban, maritime, industrial environment
  • Cold weather warfare – the Royal Marines of 43 Commando are deployed on the Royal Navy’s ice ship HMS Protector
  • Maritime boarding and snipers.

 

Unit history

2012

Fleet Protection Group Renamed

One of the most famous names in Royal Marines history returned with the re-formation of 43 Commando at Faslane – officially titled 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines.
2013

Detachment heads for the Antarctic

43 Commando headed for the most challenging environment in the world, deploying on HMS Protector as it headed for the British Antarctic Territory.
2014

Supports heroin bust

Boarding specialists from 43 Commando supported the £8.5m HMS Somerset raid on a suspect vessel in the Arabian Sea.
2015

Sharing skills in Cameroon

Elite forces from 43 Commando and their US counterparts headed for Cameroon to train locals in board and search.
2016

New facilities

The Harvey VC Building provided improved operational facilities for the Royal Marines conducting specialist security duties.
2017

Unit gets its own tartan

The 43 Commando tartan registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans!
2017

Unit gets its own tartan

The 43 Commando tartan registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans!

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