Royal Marines

In pictures: Royal Marines prove why they are at the tip of the Nato spear

Equipped with Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular for an enhanced tactical edge — Royal Marines were equipped with Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular for a tactical edge

The Commandos use High Vertical Access, a specialised technique and training utilised for boarding vessels — The commandos use High Vertical Access, a specialised technique utilised for boarding vessels

It is particularly employed during maritime interdiction or counter-piracy operations — It is mainly employed during maritime interdiction or counter-piracy operations

On board SD Northern River, a Royal Marine takes an arc of fire

During boarding operations, Royal Marines line up behind each other in a single-file formation, known as a stack

This tactic is a fundamental aspect of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) in maritime interdiction

Especially for security, speed, and controlling angles of fire in confined spaces — It allows for security, speed, and better control of angles of fire in confined spaces

The point man takes front arcs while the rest of the team covers alternative angles

An important aspect of CQB is momentum — An important aspect of CQB is keeping momentum – speed, surprise, and violence of action

Here, commandos quickly move from one room to the other, preventing the enemy from consolidating, reinforcing, or counter-attacking

One marine is responsible for handling the hostage, while another provides security — In hostage situations, one marine is responsible for handling while another provides overwatch

The commandos would later find themselves treating and evacuating a casualty — The Royal Marines would later find themselves treating and evacuating a casualty

Casualties are moved using lightweight stretchers designed for narrow ship spaces

Elsewhere in Plymouth, The Shore Reconnaissance Team (SRT) conducted a beach recce

They are tasked to survey and gather intelligence on potential landing sites to secure beachheads for 3 Commando Brigade — SRTs are tasked with surveying and gathering intelligence on potential landing sites to secure beachheads for 3 Commando Brigade

Ex Hyperion Storm culminated with 42 Commando conducting fast-roping from a RAF Chinook — Ex Hyperion Storm culminated with 42 Commando conducting fast-roping from an RAF Chinook

With additional training of the Puma remotely piloted air system — There was additional training on the Puma remotely piloted air system

After two weeks of intensive training, which included night-time boarding operations, helicopter raids and reconnaissance drills, the Royal Marines are ready to deploy at the forefront of Nato's special operations.

Exercise Hyperion Storm, which marked the end of two years of extensive preparation, concluded earlier this month.

Now personnel from 42 Commando, alongside British Army Rangers, will join the Special Operations Component of Nato's Allied Reaction Force. Deployable at short notice, they will act as a deterrence or be called upon to deal with an emerging crisis or conflict.

Tip of the spear

As the maritime operations experts of the task group, 42 Commando will remain on standby, primed to recapture vessels and oil rigs and carry out covert raids across the maritime domain.

This was put to the test during Ex Hyperion Storm, where the commandos carried out boarding drills on the auxiliary ship SD Northern River at Devonport naval base and reconnaissance activities along the coastlines around Plymouth.

The exercise culminated on Otterburn ranges, where the Royal Marines, alongside the Rangers, fast-roped from RAF Chinook helicopters as part of a mock attack.

BFBS Forces News joined personnel for the final 24 hours of the exercise

Colonel Phil O'Callaghan, Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Component Command, said: "The evaluation process is exacting and demanding, every detail is scrutinised.

"As a headquarters, we had to meet over 850 performance measures to ensure complete validation for Nato.

"On this exercise, we are here to support and ensure the success of the maritime, land and air task groups as they seamlessly work together."

He added that this marks the first time the UK's Joint Operations Force has been brought together for an important leadership role in Nato, and demonstrates the "versatility" of the UK Commando Force, Ranger Regiment and RAF.

Coupled with their British Army and RAF counterparts, the Royal Marines will take on the responsibility of the maritime operations experts for a one-year period commencing in July.