A TEAM of six Royal Marine Commandos from HM Naval Base Clyde recently completed a challenging triathlon organised to mark their contribution to 50 years of the the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).

To mark the occasion the group from 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group organised a triathlon on July 3 covering the distance from Loch Lochy in the Scottish Highlands to their home at the Faslane base.

The event began at 6am on when the Royal Marines plunged into the icy waters of Loch Lochy for a 1.5 mile swim before an 80-mile bike phase from Gairlochy to Loch Long, passing the iconic Commando Monument at Spean Bridge, before following the A82 southward through Fort William, Glencoe and along the banks of Loch Lomond.

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At Loch Long the team then laced up their trainers for the final leg, running nine miles back to HM Naval Base Clyde, where they were given an enthusiastic welcome by colleagues as they crossed the finish line at 3.10pm.

The event was the inspiration of Colonel Tony de Reya MBE, former commanding officer of 43 Commando, and a keen triathlete himself.

The Fleet Protection Group’s primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability within a complex urban, maritime, industrial environment around the Clyde and throughout the United Kingdom.

READ MORE: Royal Navy sailors salute 50 years of Faslane

Since 1969 at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been at sea on deterrent patrol, providing the UK’s ultimate guarantee of security.

Generations of submariners, civilian support workers, industry partners and Royal Marines have contributed to the mission, with 43 Commando currently providing protection to the nuclear deterrent.