The Faslane naval base has a new commander, with Commodore Bob Anstey handing over to Commodore Sharon Malkin.
The ceremony took place at HM Naval Base Clyde today, with personnel from HMS Neptune, the Submarine Flotilla, 43 Commando and other base departments and units attending.
Commodore Anstey, who has been in the post since June 2021, will retire from the Royal Navy after 36 years of service.
Taking over is Commodore Sharon Malkin who is new to the base and joins from her most recent role as of head of customer support team for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation following her promotion to Commodore last year.
She said she was ‘delighted’ by the appointment, adding: “The Clyde community sits at the heart of UK defence and the achievements of so few, for so many, are impressive and hard-earned.
“In recognising achievements, I wish to recognise Cdre Bob Anstey for his time as NBC and his 36 years’ of naval service; on behalf of the whole naval base, I thank him wholeheartedly.”
Commodore Malkin read engineering at Cambridge before joining the Royal Navy in 1994. While completing her initial officer training she served on HMS Brazen and HMS Sheffield.
During her career as an air engineer, she served on 800, 820 and 899 Naval Air Squadrons and on HMS Invincible, Illustrious and Ocean, as well as RFA Fort George.
In addition, she led the technical integration of the F-35B jet into both the Queen Elizabeth Class carrier and RAF Marham and commanded the military and civilian team of more than 200 engineers and scientists on 1710 Naval Air Squadron.
She added: “As we face new challenges, including the commissioning of new facilities to support the training of all submariners on site, welcoming the fifth Astute Class Submarine, HMS Anson, and preparing for the return of HMS Vanguard from refit, I look forward to working together with every single person in our community – service personnel, civil servants and business partners – and ensuring continued success on the Clyde.”
Commodore Anstey said: “It has been a huge honour to serve as the naval base commander of HMNB Clyde for my final post in the Royal Navy.
“The last two years have seen a significant challenge to base activity, with Covid disrupting every aspect of the way we do our business. Our progress in returning our operations to ‘business as usual’ has been a significant achievement.”
He continued: “I am proud that our people across the Clyde Community have ensured that our ships and submarines have remained fully supported throughout this unprecedented period of challenge and wish all, in both the naval base and our community partners, the very best for the future.”
Commodore Anstey said farewell to the base in true naval style.
Accompanied by his wife Caroline, he boarded HMS Tracker, a P2000 patrol boat alongside Faslane.
He was waved off by personnel from all over the Clyde community including members of the Royal Navy, MoD civil servants, and industry partners.
The outgoing Commodore was played off by a piper and given a waterborne salute by Serco tugs.
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