THE Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, Captain Richard Harris, took the salute at his final passing-out-parade on Friday before moving on to his next posting.

Capt Harris became the 43nd Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy training base in Torpoint, in September 2018.

Among the highlights of his two years in charge has been to ensure that HMS Raleigh continued to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining essential training to enable the Royal Navy to fulfil its commitments worldwide.

Capt Harris said: ’This has been, by quite a margin, the biggest privilege of my career.

’I set myself a target of treating people how I would wish to be treated, and to put staff, recruits and families at the centre of our endeavour.

’In the process, we have increased success rates, recruitment has increased, and we maintained full output throughout lockdown.

’I have a magnificent team and will never forget my time here.

’Capt Suzi Nielsen, my successor, is an old friend, and an excellent officer, and I wish her great success.’

The 48-year-old was born in Cardiff and joined the Royal Navy full-time in 1995, after serving for a short period in the Royal Naval Reserve. He has served in seven warships, including HMS Chatham, towards the end of the second Gulf War.

His shore postings include appointments at Britannia Royal Naval College, the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, in Plymouth as the Group Logistics Commander for the Commander Amphibious Task Group, in Whitehall, and at the Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth.

After a period of leave, Capt Harris will enrol at the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Capt Nielsen will take command of HMS Raleigh in September.