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HMS Sherwood Provide Supersession Guard For New Commodore Reserves

The newly appointed Commodore Reserves Melanie Robinson has served in the Royal Navy for 27 years.  She was amongst the first women to go to sea and remains amongst the first to command a warship. One of only 12 female Captains, Cdre Mel now becomes one of only four female naval officers to have achieved flag rank as Commodore Maritime Reserves (COMMARES).

CPO Jason Kingham, WO1 Sean Jones, CPO Derick Parsons of HMS Sherwood.

Setting out her stall on day one, she said, “I am determined to lead a step-change in how the Maritime Reserves recruits, employs and deploys its personnel.  We are already operating as an auxiliary support force.  Offering flexibility and cost efficiency, Reserve personnel deliver capabilities into every aspect of frontline activity every single day.”

Warrant Officer Sean Jones, HMS Sherwood, was the Parade Commander for this special ceremony, and commented:  “It was a huge honour for HMS Sherwood to provide all the ceremonial training staff and one member of the guard at this very prestigious occasion.”

Personal acknowledgement for taking part in the Guard

Able Rate Michelle Rowlands spoke to the Commodore, and said: “It was a great honour to be part of the guard on board HMS Victory for Cdre Mel Robinson’s Supersession.”  Following the ceremony, Michelle received a personal thank you and commemorative coin from Cdre Robinson, in recognition of her part in the day.

AB1 Michelle Rowlands with her commemorative coin.

HMS Sherwood is the only Naval Reserve unit in the East Midlands and, despite being landlocked, has a strong history of attracting, motivating and retaining Reservists.  There are growing opportunities for Reservists to be engaged in frontline activity every single day.  Reserves offer a flexible and cost-efficient capability to the Royal Navy and deliver a broad range of skills from their civilian careers. For more information, click here.

Guard at the Supersession ceremony.