News
May 15th 2018
“Being a reservist has opened up lots of new opportunities for me”
Chief Petty Officer Jason Kingham on Mobilisation
Ahead of HMS Sherwood, the East Midlands’ only Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) unit, being granted Freedom of the City of Nottingham in summer 2018 – here we speak to one of their reservists about his reserve experiences to date and why he is looking forward to being a part of the prestigious ceremony later this year.
Name: Chief Petty Officer Jason Kingham
Age: 37
You joined HMS Sherwood back in 2002. What attracted you to the unit?
“I was looking to experience something new and I thought I would enjoy having the opportunity to travel whilst doing something I enjoyed.”
What have the highlights of your reserve career been to date?
“I have had lots of highlights to be honest, but if I had to pick a selection I would say being mobilised in 2007 to Fleet Standby Rifle Troup S Squadron Fleet Protection Group Royal Navy Detachment where I travelled to Iraq, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman and Horn of Africa to name a few places over a period of four years.
I was also mobilised to Op Olympics in 2012 as a Barrack Master supporting security efforts at Greenwich Park.
“In 2014, I was part of the Parade Staff at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which was a great experience; the event was watched by thousands of people both in the arena and many more on TV at home. I have also been a unit Coxswain from 2015 to 2018.
I understand you were recently promoted. Did a formal presentation take place?
Jason Kingham spoke to visiting scouts about some of the experiences he has had in the Navy
“Being a reservist has opened up lots of new opportunities for me. I was promoted to a Chief Petty Officer in March this year. A formal presentation took place at this time where I was presented with my ‘buttons’ from my Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Noble.”
How does your new role compare to your last position?
“My previous role as Coxswain involved ensuring the high standards and naval ethos were fully embedded in our ships company, creating the link between our Ships Company and the Command structure.
“My new role sees me filling a full-time Royal Navy post which involves a lot more administrative tasks to ensure personal can attend their required training commitments as well as assisting with building management and the delivery of training nights. I am also involved in the planning of the forthcoming Freedom of the City event in Nottingham.”
In terms of your future ambition, what is next for you in the RNR?
“As it stands at the minute, I am keen to establish myself as an effective Chief Petty Officer both within HMS Sherwood and within my branch specialisation.
“I am also looking forward to being Chief of Parade for our up and coming Freedom of the City event as we are all immensely proud to receive this award. The granting of the Freedom of the City is a ceremonial honour, and the oldest and highest civic honour that can be bestowed on a military unit.”
“I am also looking forward to being Chief of Parade for our up and coming Freedom of the City event as we are all immensely proud to receive this award."
