by Lucy Ashton
Military and civilian staff from HM Naval Base Clyde have delivered a dose of festive cheer to local communities in the shape of giant Christmas trees.
It has become a bit of a Christmas tradition for Naval Base staff to work with Community Councils on “Operation Christmas Tree” and for several years Naval Base personnel have worked to source, deliver, and, in some cases, help erect the Christmas trees in the heart of local communities.
Staff from the Base, including 43 Commando Royal Marines and a group of trainee submariners from the Submarine Qualifying Course were delighted to go along and help local communities get into the Christmas Spirit.
Once in place, Community Council members and partners from Argyll and Bute will decorate and light the trees providing a bit of seasonal sparkle to villages in the local area.
Royal Navy staff from the Base have helped get most of the trees in place and over the last few days, there have been trees delivered to the Drumfork Community Centre, Rosneath and Clynder, Cove and Kilcreggan, and Rhu and Shandon.
As always, Operation Christmas Tree is a real team effort with the ESS Ground and Waste Team sourcing and cutting down the trees on MOD land at RNAD Coulport, Base transport delivering them and then put in place by Royal Navy submariners and Royal Marines.
Commander Nick Stewart, the Naval Base Executive Officer said: “Bringing these Christmas trees to life is a true collaboration, with HM Naval Base Clyde working closely alongside our Industry Partners and the Community Councils of Rosneath, Kilcreggan, Rhu, and the Drumfork Community Centre.”
“The trees are a symbol of warmth and hope, reminding us of the strength and spirit of our community during this special season.”
Our Armed Forces ~ The silent force for good and security in such troubled times .
Under resourced , Under manned , Under financed , But , always respected and ready to defend our privileged freedom and democracy .