One of the Navy’s top officers has been reflecting on “an extraordinary and taxing year” as a result of which the Royal Navy’s reputation is “riding high”.

Admiral Sir Jonathon Band has been in post as Commander-in-Chief Fleet for 12 months now, and in a signal to the Fleet he listed continuing operations against international terrorism, support for the people of Afghanistan, counter drugs work in the Caribbean, back-up to the civil power in Northern Ireland and operations in Sierra Leone occupying the Navy in the first few months.

“The year moved at a relentless pace with the Fleet involved in NATO operations through our contributions to standing naval forces in addition to our standing commitments to the strategic nuclear deterrent, survey, fishery protection et al,” said the Admiral.

“Some of those not at sea or on operations were left providing cover during the fire strike under Operation Fresco.

“Throughout the Fresco period there has been a significant impact on the Fleet programme and I have always been acutely conscious of both those serving across the country and those left in demeaning watchbills keeping their units in some order or readiness.

“I am well aware that in some cases we had to call on our people just returned from deployment and in many cases this short-notice commitment affected individual leave plans.

“Undoubtedly certain individuals were disadvantaged in terms of career training, but be assured that we did work hard to preserve key career courses where possible and the backlog is reducing fast.

“As the year was ending the mood had changed. The situation in Iraq was preoccupying all our minds, prudent contingency planning was in hand with operations looking more likely as each week passed.

“Be under no illusion – the Royal Navy delivered exactly what was called for in the joint campaign plan, made a vital contribution to the early phase and proved just how effective we are when we set about our business.

“Life for the Fleet is now returning to the more normal state of continuing with our military tasks, taking seasonal leave, feeding units through the training loop and restoring our ability to meet the next challenge of this uncertain world, but all in the context of keeping within our separated Service targets.

“NATO business is close to the fore as I prepare to undertake a round of NATO briefings in preparation for Exercise Northern Lights, Exercise Allied Action and the introduction of the maritime part of NATO’s Readiness Force.

“I have also initiated work investigating how the Fleet might operate in the future, with less emphasis on individual units and more on operating as task groups, starting with collective training and readiness.

“With our professional reputation riding high on the national and international scene, I will take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your hard work, effort and professional prowess.

“We have a Fleet to be proud of – and you are the reason why.”