RNRMC Boosted Morale Across the Carrier Strike Group in Japan and South Korea

Event, General, Serving Personnel, Sports

A grant from Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) played a big part in supporting morale during the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to Japan and South Korea this summer.

Led by Petty Officer Physical Trainer Gareth Reid and the DRU East Physical Development Community, a team of 15 Royal Navy Physical Training Instructors deployed to deliver a comprehensive Adventurous Training (AT) and Personal Development (PDev) programme across four units.

Over two weeks, more than 600 serving personnel benefitted from various sporting and social activities, including the unforgettable experience of taking over 120 personnel up Mount Fuji – proudly flying the RNRMC flag at the summit.

The team organised a fantastic programme of sports and cultural activities that were really well received. Highlights included a kendo and samurai experience for 30 personnel, go-karting, cultural tours in and around Busan with over 60 participants, and sailing sessions led by a Japanese Olympic official

Together, these activities showcased the value of sport and culture in building morale and strengthening links with Japanese and NATO partners.

Funding from RNRMC enabled this ambitious programme to go ahead, covering essential elements such as activity support and equipment hire. Meanwhile, the cost of medals and prizes was supported by the Sports Lottery, ensuring sailors’ efforts were recognised and celebrated.

RNRMC’s logo and flag were proudly displayed throughout – from the summit of Mount Fuji to the closing events – promoting the charity’s mission to new audiences overseas.

This large-scale initiative showcased the strength of international collaboration and the value of sport and development in uniting NATO and Japanese allies. As evident from the photographs and feedback, naval personnel enjoyed activities that built resilience, camaraderie, and morale – reinforcing why these partnerships remain so vital to the serving community.

Are you serving personnel looking for a grant to support your next event? Find out more how we can support you on our dedicated grants page here: Apply for a grant | The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

people holding an RNRMC flag outside Yokosuka Japan sign people go-karting in Japan on a main road people taking part in some martial arts in Japan in traditional dress, holding an RNRMC flag people stood on a road near the base of mt Fuji holding an RNRMC flag people stood in front of Hayama marina holding RNRMC flag and Navy Fit flag row of people sat infront of a Yokosuka sign row of people in go-karts on a street in Japan five people stood ina row on paddle boards on the sea people at the summit of mt fuji with sunset in the background person doing a handstand on a paddle board on the sea people walking in a forest by a waterfall and shallow river, surrounded by trees people moutain biking through a forest people at a baseball pitch holding RNRMC flag people at the summit of mt fuji