The Navy’s increasing capability in amphibious warfare will be well-represented at this year’s Navy Days.

Devonport will be hosting the maritime spectacular over the August bank holiday weekend, and an amphibious specialist will oversee the Navy’s largest public event of 2004.

Royal Marines Col Steve Cox, who led the commando amphibious assault on the Al Faw peninsula during the Iraq conflict last year, heads the small team planning this August’s event.

Many details are still to be confirmed, because of the Navy’s worldwide commitments, but RN, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm units are all lined up to appear.

Commitments in Iraq last year meant there was no public display by the Royal Navy – the last Navy Days, in 2002, was hosted by Devonport.

Amphibious warfare will be this year’s theme, with commandos ‘assaulting’ targets supported by fast raiding craft, amphibious ships, aircraft and helicopters.

Traditional stalls and displays will be erected around the show site, military bands will be on hand, ships and submarines will be on display, and there will be the opportunity to visit Devonport’s developing heritage area, which houses a Field Gun exhibition and relics and treasures from the base’s distinguished history, including the Napoleonic-era hangman’s cell – believed to be the last original working gallows in the country.

Navy Days is this year’s ‘RN in the Public Eye’ event, aimed at opening the Senior Service up to the general public.

It will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, and many veterans’ groups are already lined up to take part in a special event.

“We want to put on a really good show this year,” said Col Cox. “It’s the general public’s chance to meet the men and women who provide a world-class fighting force and to see ships, submarines and aircraft close-up.

“We’re also looking forward to welcoming back some old comrades and enthusiasts – there will be something of interest for everyone.”

Because of the size of Devonport Naval Base, coaches will run around the site and a water taxi service will link the dockyard with Plymouth’s historic Barbican district.
Tickets are not yet available for the August 28-30 event – admission prices are still being worked out – but arrangements are expected to be finalised in the near future.

More details are available from the information line on 01752 553941, or on the Royal Navy website at www.royalnavy.mod.uk