MESSAGE OF SUPPORT

First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC

“As the senior serving RN officer of the Association I wanted to recognise the sterling work being done by all our serving and retired members, as well as the small team keeping ARNO and the RNOC running at these difficult times.  Despite the pandemic, the normal operational business of the Royal Navy carries on, from delivering CASD to protecting shipping routes in the Gulf.  Royal Navy and RFA ships and people are deployed around the world, from the Falklands to the Indo-Pacific, protecting our nation’s interests.

 

On top of this, we are delivering in spades in support of the government’s COVID-19 response.  RFA ARGUS is in the Caribbean with helicopters and personnel from 845, 814 and 1700 Naval Air Squadrons, supporting the hurricane season but ready to provide a medical response to our Overseas Territories if required.  820 Naval Air Squadron has re-roled to deliver COVID tasking in the South West.  3 Commando Brigade are at readiness to support, and 42 Commando have been administering COVID-19 tests.  And there is a whole host of others, both serving and retired, from medics working in the front line of the NHS to people providing logistic and operational planning expertise in key Government roles.  We thank each and every one of our people for the contributions they are making.

 

I also want to say thanks to Mike and his small team who are all working remotely and keeping members in touch through social media, ARNO at Home and the regular ARNO Matters.  The Association and the RNOC play a vital role in supporting both serving and retired officers and their families. It is essential at this time that we keep the Association fully supported so it allows the RNOC to continue its good work.  We know our serving personnel love a good fundraising challenge – it would be great to see some of that activity raising money for our Association and Charity.

My very best wishes to all members, and their families, at this time.”

 

ABOUT US

ARNO is a flourishing membership organisation for all Royal Navy, Royal Marines and QARNNS officers alongside their Maritime Reserve counterparts. Officers from the RFA, WRNS, RNVR and SCC are also welcome. Join us in our Centenary Year – many rewards on offer.

ARNO at Home – in response to the current crisis, we are reaching out to members who may be isolated at home; connecting people by phone or for more practical support locally, depending on need. Email enquiries.org.uk with your preferred contact number and we will put you in touch with other members wishing to take advantage of this network.

ARNO Online – while working remotely, we are keeping in touch with our members more then ever. Sharing Views from the Cabin and ARNO 100 Words are just some of the ways of keeping connected. Do join the ARNO/RNOC Facebook group, follow us on Twitter  and Instagram, and change your settings to receive weekly ARNO Matters by email.