New commanding officer named for Clyde’s Royal Marine Commandos

Colonel Tony de Reya MBE has been confirmed as the new commanding officer of the Royal Marines of Clyde-based 43 Commando.

He takes over from Colonel Jock Fraser MBE, who is moving on to a new Bristol-based role as naval regional commander for Wales and Western England after being in command of Clyde’s 550-strong unit since July 2015.

New commanding officer Colonel Tony de Reya completed his first appointment as a troop commander at 43 Commando in 1994 and was recently deployed with NATO, commanding a nine-nation mission to train and advise Afghanistan's 7,000-strong special police.

Reacting to his appointment, Colonel de Reya said he was “enormously proud” to be assuming command of 43 Commando.

He went on to say: “The role the unit conducts contributes to the highest defence priority - the provision of the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent. I am looking forward enormously to leading such a professional and highly capable team.”

Outgoing Colonel Fraser described the last two years as “one of the pinnacles of my career”.

He added: "43 Commando's primary mission of protecting the UK's nuclear deterrent is a tremendous responsibility and I have been consistently impressed by the marines and sailors who carry this responsibility with absolute professionalism."