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HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES GIBRALTAR
WO1 (SMI) G Baily RAPTC
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WO1 (SMI) Graham Baily RAPTC
Having visited on multiple occasions to
play football, arriving in Gibraltar with my family as a resident in May 2023 was an extremely humbling experience and an opportunity I will always be grateful for. I received a
thorough handover from WO2 (QMSI) Mark McLaughlan who had done an exceptional job covering as the HQ BF Gib SMI PD and, thankfully, I was able to use the experience of working within HQ 6 (UK) Division to quickly settle into the working environment. Primarily employed as a Staff Officer responsible for facilitating overseas recreational visits to Gibraltar, there was a focused effort from the senior leadership team on how the Joint Physical Development Unit (JPDU) can better influence the lived experience of our workforce and their families.
It was clear from the offset that, after an extended period of reducing resources and capability within in Gibraltar, our geographical location alone provided adequate justification for this to change in support of increased military operations. This offered JPDU the opportunity to actively drive improvements and seek financial support that may not have been previously considered.
Guided by 3 outstanding Heads of Department, the JPDU team can reflect with pride on our improvements this year. WO2 (QMSI) Daz Hunt has overseen an outstanding Gymnasium uplift and facilitated several successful
Governor of Gibraltar unveiling ‘Nuffield Pickle’ with POPT Oliver Perkins RN
PT events. The JPDU Gunwharf Centre Manager, Petty Officer Physical Training Oliver Perkins RN, secured charitable funding totalling over £200K and expertly
managed a fleet revamp which included the acquisition of a new 41ft yacht. And finally, Mr David Wilson has received approval to commence work on a heating system to extend our swimming season by 10 weeks per year.
In addition to driving new projects, we remain focused on our primary role of supporting the whole workforce in Gibraltar and over 4000 transiting Service Personnel. Overall, it has been a fulfilling and productive period for JPDU.
Commander British Forces Cup
HQ BF Gib Community Day led by JPDU – ‘Team Baily’ onboard HMS Trent
RG Challenge