Page 44 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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Another thoroughly enjoyable year in BF Gibraltar, but the weeks and months quite literally, flying by. Focus on Brexit planning, our contribution to the Western Mediterranean Estimate and wider support to the Government of Gibraltar’s hosting of the Small Island Games 2019 (a huge occasion and one that BF Gibraltar and Joint Physical Development Unit (JPDU) are proud to have been a part of) has made for an extremely busy but both productive and rewarding period for JPDU. During the latter half of 2019, much of my time was taken up with gapping the SO2 J7 position, which, in fact, was a privilege and a great opportunity for exposure and insight into the wider aspects of J7, outside of PD, and an opportunity to expand my staff skills. Juggling both required the team to also step up; they did, and they have delivered in spades. Despite additional responsibilities during this busy Military and Diplomatic period, the JPDU team have continued to ensure their outputs were met. Support was provided to several AT Expeditions and Over Seas Sports Visits, as well as those on military studies, training exercises and the many RN ships and submarine visits; offering facilities, training support,
CBF Cup Football
fitness testing, team building events and recreational activities. A staggering 7000 plus military personnel visited Gibraltar in 2019; most of which were assisted by JPDU in some capacity – a fantastic team effort.
2019 saw the inaugural CBF’s Cup event – an inter Service competition between the Army (both the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) and Army Minor Unit personnel (AMU)), the RAF and the RN. A series of sports competitions played out throughout the day with the Army (RG) proving victorious by the end and lifting the cup for its very first time. A hugely successful day which culminated with a family’s BBQ and all proceeds raised going to SSAFA. Other memorable moments for me, was hosting an inaugural AMU Dinner in my capacity as the Gibraltar AMU Sgt Major, and competing as part of a 19 strong BF Gibraltar crew, in the RN annual Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood. A long RN tradition which originates from the guns being run across treacherous ground, in the siege of Ladysmith during the Boar War and is a highlight within their calendar. It was a great experience and one that (pending invite) is catching on with the other Services; both the REME and The RE have very competitive teams and this year the REME won with the fastest time, however owing to timed penalties, and for the first time in the competitions history, had to share first position with HMNB Portsmouth.
Moving forward, we managed to agree funding and have now employed a full-time HELM Point Pool and Facilities Manager’ - Mr Davie Wilson (Ex RN PTI) is an experienced and great addition to the team. JPDU continues to develop its resources to support all BF Gibraltar personnel. Work is underway (and should be complete by the time this is published) to create a third training facility which will be within the
BF GIBRALTAR
HQ BF GIBRALTAR
WO1 (SMI) K Noteyoung RAPTC
AMU Dinner 2019
CBF Cup ToW