HMS Ceres

27/05/2026

We were proud to support Defence Engagement and Capability Demonstration events Cutler’s Hall in Sheffield a few weeks ago.

As a Yorkshire-based Royal Navy Unit, HMS Ceres is well placed to support these events and provide a bit of local knowledge. It is also a valuable chance to engage with the community that we serve.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the event!

https://www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/news/royal-navy-opens-regional-defence-opportunities/?fbclid=IwRlRTSASEVrdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDxyGOe28fPnh4MZXvhKtkyVjG8vhgh3Q1VPKv7RQpilfqBSnGFAA09ge9ds_aem_cnpZ_r4zOgfVv4p0d-9JDg

Royal Navy Opens Regional Defence Opportunities by connecting with employers and industries in Yorkshire and the Humber

25/05/2026

Our AB Sheona successfully completed the triathlon last week and said: “Thank you to all my colleagues across the Maritime Reserves for your support. It means a lot and I am lucky to be part of such a supportive organization that helps me develop and challenge myself, whilst also helping a brilliant cause that is close to my heart. Thank you again!”

Well done and all the best from Team Ceres!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sheona-swales-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&fbclid=IwdGRjcASA2QJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDYKCWXSpaTgYTPMOXuaeJORHYc-64HM3CvHpFrO-e_g7JXr2oeOy0IC9LoU_aem_AZ19LTzyAJDeWoeB173ySQ

19/05/2026

Excellent post from our colleagues at HMS Wildfire and the potential benefits and opportunities associated with the implementation of the Pan Defence Skills Framework across the Maritime Reserves!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DGsUbv8Mj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

⚓ FROM THE QUARTERDECK – WEEKLY UPDATES FROM HMS WILDFIRE ⚓

This week at HMS WILDFIRE, personnel received a briefing on the Pan Defence Skills Framework (PDSF) and what it means for us as members of the Royal Naval Reserve.

The session highlighted one of the RNR’s greatest strengths, the extraordinary breadth of civilian expertise our people bring alongside their military training. From vehicle maintenance and engineering to policy development and ministerial advice, the discussion showcased the depth of professional knowledge held across the unit.

The PDSF provides Defence with a clearer and more structured way to identify, capture, and validate these transferable skills. By recognising both civilian and military expertise, the framework will help improve how personnel are matched to roles, strengthen operational effectiveness, and ensure Defence makes the best possible use of the talent available across the Force.

For reservists in particular, this represents a significant opportunity to better integrate the specialist skills developed in civilian careers into Defence capability.

16/05/2026

Good luck to our AB Sheona who’s completing final preparations before the Stand Up Paddleboarding, Running and Biking Triathlon tomorrow to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research!

All the best from your friends at team HMS Ceres!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sheona-swales-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&fbclid=IwdGRjcAR1VgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDYKCWXSpaTgYTPMOXuaeJORHYc-64HM3CvHpFrO-e_g7JXr2oeOy0IC9LoU_aem_AZ19LTzyAJDeWoeB173ySQ

10/05/2026

Our Commanding Officer, Surg Cdr Nicola Dean was privileged to attend a Mess Dinner at Sheffield University, as a guest of Yorkshire University Royal Naval Unit.

During the dinner, she had the chance to learn about the successes and achievements of the students.

As an ex-URNU student, the CO enjoyed reminiscing about past deployments with other units.

HMS Ceres enjoys a close relationship with Yorkshire URNU, and both units make the most of chances to cross train an share resources.

The URNU team have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they share with the students. Their Officer in Charge, Lt Wendy Goode was a warfare officer and navigated minehunters and destroyers. The Cox’n is an experienced and very well regarded Royal Marine Warrant Officer, who also served with HMS Ceres. One of their training officers is ex Army, the other is a past student, so they are well placed to develop the students and given them a unique insight into the senior service!

We are grateful for the hospitality shown by the team at Yorkshire URNU and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship between our two units!

08/05/2026

Our AB Sheona is almost halfway through her journey to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research. The ship’s company is right behind her and is rooting for her!

Her training is going well and she’s almost ready for her next challenge - a triathlon!

Staying fit, pushing yourself to go outside of your comfort zone and supporting the community, whilst also being ready to deploy anywhere on operations is an important part of being a Reservist.

Good luck and all the best from your shipmates HMS Ceres!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sheona-swales-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&fbclid=IwdGRjcARqlmFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDYKCWXSpaTgYTPMOXuaeJORHYc-64HM3CvHpFrO-e_g7JXr2oeOy0IC9LoU_aem_AZ19LTzyAJDeWoeB173ySQ

07/04/2026

At our recent awards ceremony, we also recognized the commitment and professionalism of our ship’s company. Our Commanding Officer was presented with the third clasp to her Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM) by her daughter.

AB Stephenson was presented with his VRSM by the CO. This represents 45 years of combined service in the Maritime Reserves across the Logistics and Medical Branches!

Thanks to both of you for your service!

The Commanding Officer, Surg Commander Nicola Dene, said:

“Thank you to my ship’s company for your loyal support and commitment. I also hope you had a good Easter Break and received some well earned downtime. We’ve had a busy term and we are grateful for the support of our staff, friends, families, employers and work colleagues. We have a busy term ahead and we will keep our supporters informed of our unit’s activities. Thanks everyone again!”

31/03/2026

We are also grateful to our Padre and Cox’n, who organised the service and also provided the catering the evening…. in this case, a top class paella!

Services like this, followed by an informal gathering and meal are great ways of bringing the unit together and celebrating our achievements prior to going on holiday. They help to build cohesion and a sense of purpose which will serve our team well when they deploy on exercise and operations.

Thanks to you both for working hard behind the scenes to make the end of term event happen and for the time and effort put in… it was much appreciated by everyone

29/03/2026

We recently rounded off a successful term with a Whole Ship’s Company award night and service to bring friends and families together and to celebrate the achievements of our ship’s company.

Over the next few days we’ll share some of their successes with you, starting with two of our junior rates.

AB Sheona is raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Commanding Officer presented her with a medal for the Liverpool Marathon. The ship’s company are fully behind her and encouraging her in the efforts for this worthy charity.

Newly promoted Leading Hand David was presented with his “Hooks”. He now occupies a key leadership position, and he plays a key role in unit supporting recruiting and outreach work.

Well done to both - this shows our commitment to developing and supporting our Junior Rates. Their achievements and efforts demonstrate their commitment to personal development, their leadership and ability to get things done. And thanks to all their friends, families, work colleagues and other members of the ship’s company, permanent staff and civilian staff, who do so much to support them!

19/03/2026

Well done to all involved in organising this weekend and thanks to our shipmates at HMS Calliope for hosting us!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DyeXtj5AG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fifty Royal Naval Reservists from across the UK converged on Tyneside for a weekend’s intense training to hone collective skills.