The Royal Marines assault team celebrates its 20th anniversary next month with a celebration for personnel past and present, as well as relatives.

539 Assault Squadron, Royal Marines – which recently travelled on exercise to northern Norway with 3 Commando Brigade – is a wing of the RN called upon to be ready for deployment at all times.

The unit, based at RM Turnchapel in Devon, uses a variety of raiding craft, landing craft and hovercraft which land commandos on hostile – or friendly – shores.

The squadron also conducts sea and riverine patrols.

Drawing upon lessons learned in the Falklands Conflict two years previously, the squadron was formed in April, 1984.

Although a Royal Marines formation, it also draws some of its personnel from the Royal Navy.

539 deployed to Iraq for Operation Telic last year – and remained there when the initial fighting had ended to support Royal Marines boarding operations in clamping down on smuggling and illegal activities in the wake of Saddam Hussein’s fall.

When the exercises in Norway are over, the squadron will head west, to the eastern seaboard of the United States, for further war games and training.

But not before a birthday party, to be held at the squadron’s Plymouth home on Thursday, May 6, combined with a Families Day.

The event is open to all former members of the squadron, as well as any members of 539 Flotilla.

Further details are available from C/Sgt George Dobie, 539 Assault Sqn RM, RM Turnchapel, Barton Road, Turnchapel, Plymouth PL9 9XD.