British Army Pipe Major deploys with US Navy Fleet Band aboard USS Pearl Harbor
A British soldier has represented his country alongside musicians from across the world with the US Navy Fleet band aboard the USS Pearl Harbor.
A Colour Sergeant (Pipe Major) with 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, James Muir was recently deployed with the US Navy-led Pacific Partnership where he joined fellow musicians from Australia, Canada, Fiji, and New Zealand in bolstering the Navy's Fleet band during a six-month deployment.
The Pacific Partnership is currently deployed in the Pacific to deliver assistance, guidance, training, education and culture to thousands of people in more than half a dozen nations.
"It's a special part of the world with some the friendliest and caring people I have ever come across," said Colour Sgt Muir.
Pipers and Drummers are dual-trained in machine guns and as musicians. They also serve with the Royal Regiment of Scotland in conflicts all over the world.
Colour Sgt Muir said: "At each school, I gave the children and some teachers a chance to get a sound from the Great Highland Bagpipe.
"From all eight attempts only one very strong-lunged student managed to get a sound – met by great applause when successful and a big round of clapping and laughter when not.
"For my part in Pacific Partnership, I am immensely grateful that I was ever given the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful team and mission – to be immersed in culture and practices different to your own is very special."
Together with his fellow musicians, Colour Sgt Muir performed seven times in the Fijian capital Suva and the surrounding area.
The US Navy Fleet band is made up of 45 musicians who perform more than 400 times a year.
They were hosted by the band of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who treated their guests to South Pacific hospitality and fresh coconuts.
The combined band subsequently appeared on national TV with James alongside them representing his country.
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