PERSONNEL at HM Naval Base Clyde bid a fond farewell to Captain Nick Gibbons on Thursday, June 1, as he handed over the reins as Captain of HMS Neptune.

Captain Gibbons arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde in July 2019 and for the past four years has held the position of Captain of HMS Neptune, the naval shore establishment at Faslane, and Captain of the Base.

His role has overseen the land establishment at the site, which provides accommodation, logistics, welfare, and support services to around 7,000 personnel.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Captain Gibbons spends time with Naval Base friends and colleaguesCaptain Gibbons spends time with Naval Base friends and colleagues (Image: MoD)

His four years of service also saw him help steer the base and its personnel through the challenges presented by Covid.

He has handed over the reins to Captain Boyd, who comes to HMNB Clyde following a brief tour in the Force Generation area of Navy Command.

During her 20 years in the Royal Navy, Captain Boyd has spent time on worldwide operations at sea and ashore, including an operational tour in Afghanistan.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Captain Nick Gibbons with Commodore Sharon Malkin, HMNB Clyde's commanding officerCaptain Nick Gibbons with Commodore Sharon Malkin, HMNB Clyde's commanding officer (Image: MoD)

Captain Gibbons is retiring from the Royal Navy after 35 years of service.

Friends and colleagues came along to wave him off as he left the Base in true Naval style, on board HMS Raider accompanied by his wife Sarah.

“It has been an honour to serve in this unique and beautiful part of the world," Captain Gibbons said.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Captain Gibbons sets off to join HMS Raider and her crewCaptain Gibbons sets off to join HMS Raider and her crew (Image: MoD)

"The Base delivers Defence’s priority mission and to be part of that community, including military, civil service and our industrial partners has been a real honour. The pace is relentless.

“The UK’s submarine base was an unexpected location for an aviator to complete his Naval service, but one I would not change.

"My family has been made to feel so welcome in the area, it is going to be difficult to leave.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Captain Nick Gibbons waves goodbye to HMNB Clyde from on board HMS RaiderCaptain Nick Gibbons waves goodbye to HMNB Clyde from on board HMS Raider (Image: MoD)

"I wish all Base staff and their families the very best of luck for the future.”

Established in 1968, HMS Neptune is the land establishment at HM Naval Base Clyde, responsible for providing essential services to the military personnel working and living at the site, as well as the civilian staff who utilise the facilities in their roles supporting the Royal Navy fleet from the Clyde.