Governor Tours Warwick Camp & Coast Guard
Governor Andrew Murdoch visited Warwick Camp and the RBR Coast Guard base in Sandys, joining recruits for fitness tests and lunch.
A spokesperson said, “His Excellency the Governor and the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Commander-in-Chief, Andrew Murdoch, made his first official visit to Warwick Camp, where he toured the site and joined new recruits for fitness tests and lunch.
“The visit to observe troops and battalion operations also included a trip to the RBR Coast Guard base in Sandys.
“At Warwick Camp last month, His Excellency joined in as the regiment’s newest soldiers and members of its full-time staff completed two mandatory fitness tests – the Personal Fitness Test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups and a beep test, and the Operational Fitness Test, where participants undertake a two-mile weighted run before several scenario-based physical exercises.
“The visit took place on the last day of the recruits’ foundational training course.
“RBR Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons escorted His Excellency on a tour of the camp, during which he met and had lunch with new recruits.”
“I’m delighted to join you on your final day of recruit camp,” the Governor told troops. “Congratulations on getting this far. I can see you are working well as a team. Serving in the military will give you skills, experiences and friendships for life.”
The spokesperson said, “His Excellency also visited and spoke to key operational personnel that helped to make the recruit camp run smoothly, such as medics, cooks, regimental police and members of the motor transport section.”
He said: “As a former logistics officer in the Royal Navy, I wanted to make sure, while on my first visit to Warwick Camp, that I was able to speak with departments that ‘make things happen’ behind the scenes.”
The Governor added: “It’s a good thing to meet and show support to soldiers who don’t normally get the chance to meet and talk with their Commander-in-Chief.”
The spokesperson said, “He was collected by a Coast Guard vessel at a Southampton dock, from where he was taken to Scenic House, the maritime unit’s headquarters in Sandys, with a brief tour of the Great Sound en route.
“At the base, His Excellency received a presentation and tour of the facilities by RBR Coast Guard Commander Acting Major Jeffrey Patterson.”
The Governor said: “It was good to visit this full-time operational arm of the Royal Bermuda Regiment to see the assets and learn about the unit. They are clearly a skilled, dedicated and essential unit to support the people of Bermuda.”
Lt Col Simons noted: “As Commanding Officer, it was a privilege to show His Excellency around both Warwick Camp and Scenic House, and to introduce him to the recruits and the staff supporting recruit camp. His interest and engagement in the regiment is refreshing and I look forward to working together to improve the unit and ensure its future success.”
The spokesperson said, “For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm or call 238-1045.”
