Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois, spent a day in Plymouth recently, visiting Three Commando Brigade Royal Marines. The Brigade, who form one of Britain’s elite rapid intervention forces, are headquartered in the Plymouth area and, as part of his ministerial duties, Mark was given briefings on the Brigades’ amphibious and wider military capabilities.
During the day, Mark visited Brigade Headquarters at Stonehouse Barracks, where he was briefed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier Stuart Birrell on the organisation of the Brigade, which comprises five commando units and supporting elements. Mark then went off to visit 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, who provide artillery support to the Brigade, with 105mm light guns. Mark also went to meet One Assault Group Royal Marines (1AGRM) who provide the assault capability to deliver Royal Marines onto a beach head wherever they might be needed around the world.
Speaking about his visit to the Marines, Mark said:
"I have always been an admirer of the Royal Marine Commandos so I was grateful for an opportunity to visit them wearing my Ministerial hat and to be reminded of the tremendous capability that they offer Britain. The Royal Marines are arguably the best amphibious troops in the world and everything I saw during my visit reinforced that impression."