HMS CALLIOPE

20/08/2026

Good luck to AB Sheona at HMS Ceres!

14/08/2026

Here’s the latest installment from our very own AB Seb, who’s currently training at sea with the merchant navy.

He’s doing Alaskan Cruises, north and south between Vancouver, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Whittier, undergoing training as a deck officer.

He said: “the snow has melted from the start of the season 3 months ago and now where there is almost none. I have seen lots of whales, jumping salmon, eagles, bears, seals, sea lions and it’s a very peaceful place up here.”

This is such a great experience for a young individual, with a chance to get lots of hands on training, work with the public and develop professional seamanship skills - all of which will no doubt be put to good use in the Maritime Reserves, once’s he’s back in the unit.

The lifelong skills he gained with the Sea Cadet Corps, South Shields Marine School and the Naval Reserves complement his professional skills in the Merchant Navy.

What a brilliant start to a career in the Maritime Industry and the Naval Reserve! Well done Seb.

14/08/2026

Well done to Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets for making the most of the weather and their resources to get their teams out on the water. It’s lovely to see all ranks and rates having a good time and also staying safe, whilst also learning useful skills…. Great effort everyone!

10/08/2026

This is a great story, shared by our very own Sub Lt James Carter, one of our Junior Officers at HMS Calliope.

James is also Site Leader at Amazon’s Gateshead Fulfillment Centre. It’s great to see companies helping to preserve our heritage in the region and also to learn about their support for the Armed Forces. In this case, it’s great to see the restoration of a Rapier Surface to Air Missile system at Heugh Battery Museum in Hartlepool.

Thank you to all involved for making this happen and for supporting the community too.

A tourist attraction has strengthened ties with a major distribution centre.

08/08/2026

Sending our condolences and best wishes to Stockton Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets from the Ship’s Company of HMS Calliope.

Fair winds and following seas, and thank you for your service.

05/08/2026

Please see the link below for our next recruitment event. We offer great opportunities, training and unique experiences so we’d love to welcome you to our unit if you’d like to find out more!

Royal Naval Reserve Experience at HMS CALLIOPE, Gateshead

03/08/2026

Many congratulations to Petty Officer McConnell, one of our longest serving Reservists at HMS Calliope, who has recently been awarded the sixth clasp to his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal, which recognises an amazing career of over 40 years (and still counting!) in the Royal Naval Reserve.

A stalwart of the unit, he joined the RNR back in 1984, long before many of our current serving Reservists were even born!

His career saw him serve at sea on the Ton Class minesweepers, HMS Orwell (which will bring back fond memories to many of our veterans!) and even on one of our old diesel submarines, HMS Onslaught.

Initially serving as a Writer, providing administrative support, before transferring to the Logistics Branch, he has supported a range of exercises and operations across the United Kingdom, from Cornwall up to the north of Scotland.

In unit, he also undertook the role of Cox’n, and his service and contribution to the unit was recognized by the award of a Lord Lieutenants Certificate for Meritorious Service.

In 2023, he was priviliged to attend the King’s Coronation, as part of the Royal Navy’s Marching contingent.

The transferable skills he has gained as a Reservist landed him a role with the UK Health Security Agency, initially supporting the Covid Pandemic Recovery efforts.

Today, he continues to serve as a member of the Training Branch, passing on his experience and knowledge to the next generation of Naval Reservists, helping to grow the organisation and ensure our people are well placed to support the Nation’s Defence, today and in the future.

PO McConnell was presented with his clasp by the Captain of the Northern Units, in front of his proud shipmates!

Thank you for your service… and also for the support of your family, friends, employers and shipmates, who’ve been there as a constant throughout. Without them, individuals like PO McConnell simply cannot achieve as much as they have. It is very much appreciated!

01/08/2026

This is an amazing post, which shows the great life skills that Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets are giving the young people in our region. Well done and thank you to the instructors who volunteer and give up their time and congratulations to the Cadets. The food looks great. Well done!

01/08/2026

Well done to the team at HMS Eaglet and to Lt Cdr Harrison!

28/07/2026

Thank you for hosting us Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets - we really value our relationships with our local Sea Cadet and Marine Cadet units!

We were joined tonight by CPO Knight of HMS CALLIOPE - Recruit pipeline manager for the Royal Naval Reserve.

Great to have you onboard Chief! ⚓️🇬🇧⚓️🇬🇧⚓️🇬🇧