Royal Naval Association

12/06/2026

Royal Naval Association-Aldershot - it has stopped raining up here - we look forward to seeing you in a few hours!

The Aldershot RNA contingent have mustered and are safely on the train to Manchester, heading towards this years RNA conference. We are missing a few regulars, due to sickness and holidays, but will raise a glass or two to you all this evening.

11/06/2026

A Welfare and Wellbeing Drop-in Session will take place at National Conference this Saturday, 13 June at the Lowry Arts Centre, following the AGM. Full details are included in the graphic below.

Important: anyone planning to complete a DBS check should contact Jon in advance at [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected] so he can advise on the required documents. Please note that all documents must be original copies, as verification will be carried out in person.

11/06/2026

Fantastic news HMS Raleigh

Celebrating Recruit Millward – Royal Naval Association Award Winner

Last week, Recruit Millward was proudly presented with the Royal Naval Association (RNA) Award, a recognition that speaks not only to personal resilience, but to the power of positivity and team spirit throughout initial training.

The RNA Award is given to the recruit who has consistently maintained a noteworthy sense of humour during the challenges of training, while also making a significant contribution to the morale and cohesion of their division. It is a unique honour, one that reflects character as much as capability.

What makes this award particularly special is how it is decided. The recipient is nominated and voted for by both Divisional Staff and fellow recruits. This means it represents genuine respect and appreciation from those who have trained, lived, and worked alongside the individual every day.

To be recognised by peers in this way is a testament to the impact Recruit Millward has made.

Throughout training, Recruit Millward stood out for their ability to lift spirits, keep the team motivated, and bring people together, even in the most demanding moments. In an environment where resilience, teamwork, and determination are essential, their positive attitude has clearly made a lasting impression.

The Royal Naval Association has long championed the importance of camaraderie and mutual support, and this award embodies those values. Recruit Millward’s achievement highlights that success in the Royal Navy is not only about individual performance, but also about how you contribute to the strength and unity of your team.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition; an outstanding example of leadership through positivity and an inspiration to those around them.

11/06/2026

Can't wait to see you Royal Naval Association City of Salford Branch!

11/06/2026

⚓️ HANSON 25/39 PASSING OUT PARADE ⚓️

Message from SM Terry Whitty Lead Liaison Mentor, HMS Raleigh

Last Friday, 5 June 2026, a number of our RNA Veteran Mentors at HMS Raleigh had the privilege of helping host the families and friends attending the Passing Out Parade of Hanson 25/39.

We are delighted to welcome 60 newly qualified ratings into the Royal Navy fleet. Congratulations to each and every one of them on reaching this significant milestone.

The parade was inspected by:
Commodore Jo Deakin OBE CEng FIMechE RN
Deputy Director People Training

Around 360 family members and friends attended the event to witness this proud occasion. Fortunately, the weather in Torpoint, South East Cornwall, was warm, dry and sunny, allowing the parade to take place outdoors.

The class delivered an outstanding arms drill, providing plenty of memorable moments for their proud families and loved ones. A huge Bravo Zulu (BZ) to the entire class on a superb performance.

We wish all of our new sailors every success as they move forward into Phase Two training.

Hanson Division Mentors:
• SM Dave Gregory
• SM Chris Harwood

Mentors supporting the event:
• SM Pat Cassidy
• SM Terry Whitty

We were also pleased to welcome a group of Royal Navy veterans, hosted by Karen Marcellino, Raleigh PRO, and supported by mentor SM Lee Hayward.

Additionally, mentors SM Susan Goldfinch and SM Susan Rogers had the honour of attending the Commanding Officer’s lunch as VIP guests.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all our Veteran Mentors for your continued commitment, professionalism and dedication to the mentoring programme here at HMS Raleigh. Your support makes a real difference to the next generation of sailors.

⚓️ Congratulations once again to Hanson 25/39 and fair winds for the future.

10/06/2026

A Welfare and Wellbeing Drop-in Session will be held at National Conference on Saturday 13 June at the Lowry Arts Centre, following the AGM. Full details are provided in the accompanying graphic.

Please note: anyone wishing to complete a DBS check should contact Jon in advance at [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected] so that he can advise on the required documentation. All documents must be original copies, as checks will be completed in person.

09/06/2026

Welsh Open Uckers Tournament 2026

What an outstanding day on Saturday 6 June, with 16 teams from across the UK coming together for a fantastic tournament and a brilliant display of camaraderie.

We had a true mix of the naval family taking part, including stokers, Royals, submariners, WAFUs, associates, families and friends.

Team Champions: Michael and Maria Burnham (Essex)

Runners-Up: Mary Shipton and Karen Hannet (Black Dukes, Monmouth)

Singles Champion: Tim Hannet

The team final was tightly contested, with Michael and Maria Burnham ultimately coming out on top after a series of close matches. In the singles, Tim Hannet secured victory after an equally hard-fought final against Maria Burnham.

More details here:

The Welsh Open Uckers Tournament returned in style on Saturday 6 June, bringing together players and supporters from across the […]

08/06/2026

Royal Navy and Royal Marine Veterans to Take SUNRAY TWOSIX Wellbeing Journey Across the Western Isles

A team of Royal Navy and Royal Marine veterans will travel across the Outer Hebrides this June as part of SUNRAY TWOSIX, a community-focused wellbeing journey aimed at raising awareness of veteran mental health, PTSD, isolation and su***de prevention.

Supported and funded by the Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance in partnership with Warhead Project UK, the team will travel in “Phillip”, a restored 1936 Morris 8 ex-military staff car, journeying from Barra through the Uists and onwards to Harris and Lewis.

Read more here:

A team of Royal Navy and Royal Marine veterans will travel across the Outer Hebrides this June as part of […]

08/06/2026

A Welfare and Wellbeing Drop-in Session will be held at National Conference on Saturday 13 June at the Lowry Arts Centre following the AGM - details in the graphic below.

IMPORTANT - anyone wishing to complete a DBS check is asked to contact Jon in advance via [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected] so that he can provide a list of the required documents. Please note that all documents must be original copies, as checks will be completed in person.

07/06/2026

A fantastic community contribution from Ashford RNA!

The Branch recently presented a defibrillator to The Elwick Club, the venue for our monthly meetings, for the benefit of all club members and visitors.

The idea was put forward by our Life Member, Shipmate Jim Ashby, and it was especially meaningful to have Jim's daughter, Christine, present the defibrillator to the Club Chair, alongside members of the Branch.