Royal Naval Reservist Returns from Six-Month Deployment Fighting Piracy off Coast of Somalia

Royal Naval Reservist Lieutenant Mark Bannister, 35, has recently returned from a six-month deployment fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia. The Business Development Manager from Burnham swapped his civilian life to work for the European Union Naval Force in Djibouti, north east Africa.

Mark said:

“Working in a multinational environment was challenging but very rewarding.

“It was great to know I was contributing to improving international maritime security against piracy and armed robbery at sea as well as safeguarding the economic security of countries in the region.”

A Royal Naval Reservist at HMS Wildfire in Northwood, Middlesex, since 2002, Mark has had an action-packed career including time at sea in the Gulf on HMS Enterprise and working for the Defence Media Operations Centre support wing in Beaconsfield.

Mark is also a trained Mountain Leader and has raced mountain bikes for the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Cycling Association. He said:

“The Royal Naval Reserve has transformed my spare time. I’ve had some amazing opportunities to learn new skills and take part in adventurous activities.

“My time in Djibouti really added to my life experience. I’m very much looking forward to my next deployment and would recommend the RNR to anyone.”

The Royal Naval Reserve is currently recruiting. We are looking for people from all walks of life to join us in a range of roles from logistics, force protection and mine warfare to the diving and medical branches.

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Naval Today Staff , April 16, 2012; Image: royalnavy