First Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCM1) Incoming Commanding Officer Commander Jim Lovell.
By Gavin Carr
THE ROYAL Navy’s First Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCM1) has a new Commanding Officer with the arrival of Commander Jim Lovell RN.
On Monday, the outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Neil Griffiths, formally handed-over responsibility for the Clyde-based Squadron, ending his time in post.
Commander Griffiths will now move on to a new role generating and delivering the Royal Navy’s new autonomous mine hunting capability.
“It has been a really challenging twelve months for the First Mine Counter Measures Squadron,” said Commander Griffiths. “I am incredibly proud that we have delivered against all our outputs both at home and deployed.
“The Royal Navy’s current capability demonstrator, Project Wilton, continues to inform the direction of mine hunting technology and there will be lots of exciting opportunities for personnel transitioning from Sandown Class minehunters to autonomous mine hunting capability.
“Our people are incredibly talented and it has been an honour to lead and work alongside them. I wish Commander Lovell and the team the best for the future.”
Commander Jim Lovell said: “I am delighted and honoured to be able to return to Faslane as Commander of the First Mine Counter Measures Squadron.
“Having commanded three mine countermeasures vessels, I am excited about the future of mine warfare in Faslane and across the Fleet as the Royal Navy transitions to autonomous minehunting systems.”
The First Mine Counter Measures Squadron is headquartered at HM Naval Base Clyde. The Squadron comprises five Sandown Class Mine Counter Measures Vessels that between them conduct mine clearance work.
The crews and ships of the Squadron act as part of a deployed operational force, both within the Gulf and representing UK interests in NATO exercises. They also play a crucial role supporting UK defence by ensuring that historic ordnance is safely disposed of and freedom of Navigation is maintained.