Seafarers Week 2020 - Celebrating the Five Fighting Arms of The Royal Navy

This week is Seafarers Week. Each day, we'll be be focusing on one of the Royal Navy’s fighting arms to celebrate the challenging work they do 365 days of the year, and who continue to work tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim is to raise the profile of the dangers and sacrifices faced by those who work at sea whilst recognising the vital work the Naval Service does in protecting our Nation’s interest.

Day 1: The Submarine Service

The Royal Navy has five fighting arms. Today we recognise the Submarine Service - those who have served, are serving and their families, especially during these challenging times.

Due to COVID-19, many submariners will be unable to see their loved ones for much longer periods of time than usual because of pre-deployment isolation measures.

As personal devices are not allowed, the RNRMC has supplied submarines with mobile phones to allow crews in isolation to speak with their families before they deploy. We’ve also funded a number of morale evenings for various submarines to give crew members a well-deserved break.

Thank you for defending our nation, we salute your courage and sacrifice beneath the waves.

Day 2: For those in peril on the sea – The Royal Marines

The Royal Navy has five fighting arms. Today we recognise the Royal Marines, those who have served, are serving and their families, especially during these challenging times.

Throughout the crisis, members of the Royal Marines have been working tirelessly to provide COVID support to civilian authorities as well as managing Mobile Testing Units in the South West.

We’ve supported serving and veteran marines in a number of ways during the lockdown period to boost morale, improve welfare and tackle urgent need. These include:

Providing entertainment equipment for trainees in lockdown at the Royal Marines School of Music, who have been unable to go home for several months.
Funding equipment for students at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, as facilities on camp were closed during the peak of lockdown. Additional mugs reduced the risk of sharing mugs and as no barbers were open, clippers allowed them to adhere to hair cut policies.
Funding to the Royal Marines Association to support beneficiaries directly affected by COVID-19, including financial support, help with living costs and collecting and delivering food and medication.

LCPL Ellis quoted: “Thank you for the gifts, by the time this lockdown is over I’ll be able to start charging lads for a semi-decent short back and sides and if it goes wrong they can have a grade one all over with a hot wet thrown in for free. Thanks again!”

LCPL Mercer said: “Thank you for the hair clippers, I’ve no hair on my head but they made a decent (although risky) moustache trim. I did however, thoroughly enjoy my hot wet in this hoofing mug. Thanks!”

Thank you for defending our nation, we salute your endeavours by sea and by land.

Day 3: For those in peril on the sea – The Surface Fleet

The Royal Navy has five fighting arms and today we recognise the Surface Fleet.

Throughout the crisis, the Surface Fleet have been working diligently to provide COVID support to civilians, from carrying out vital tests at the mobile testing stations to delivering aid to the vulnerable.

Due to COVID-19, many deployed ships have been in lockdown and unable to go ashore, with limited access to Wi-Fi onboard. The RNRMC has supplied several deployed ships with 4G SIM cards to allow personnel to speak with their loved ones whilst they are away.

We’ve also funded a number of morale evenings and provided entertainment items to give personnel a well-deserved break and provided additional outdoor seating for bases to enable social distancing measures.

The RNRMC also gave funding to RNOC/ARNO to allow them to send letters to over 1000 veterans to provide support and reassurance during this difficult time.

Thank you for defending our nation, we salute your endeavours by sea and by land.

Day 4: For those in peril on the sea – The Fleet Air Arm

The Royal Navy has 5 fighting arms – today we recognise the Fleet Air Arm, the Aviation branch of the Royal Navy. Highly skilled pilots, engineers and aircrew help make it one of the most crucial parts of the service, providing the UK with influence over land, air and sea.

Throughout COVID, we have supported them by funding morale evenings for deployed Naval Air Squadrons, as well providing fans and stainless-steel water bottles to squadrons on deployment in high temperature areas to ensure they keep cool and hydrated.We also provided activity packs to RN children in lockdown at air stations to keep them entertained and support families.

Thank you for defending our nation, we salute you and your continuous efforts on land, in the air and at sea.

Day 5: For those in peril on the sea – The Royal Fleet Auxiliary

The Royal Navy has five fighting arms and today we recognise the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Throughout the crisis, the RFA have been working tirelessly to provide COVID support around the world, as well as prepare for the hurricane season overseas.

Thank you for defending our nation, we salute your endeavours on land and at sea.

Day 6: For those in peril on the sea – The Royal Naval Reserves

Today we want to recognise the men and and women of the RN Reserves and RM Reserves. They are an integral part of the modern Royal Navy, bringing specialist skills and a unique perspective to all the fighting arms. They are a key element of the whole force concept.

We support Reservists and their families for life, by funding projects which support morale, as well as refurbishing and improving facilities. We recently gave a grant for the production of a COVID-19 Resource Directory for all Maritime reserves.