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Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines




, HM Naval Base Clyde is part of the Group's responsibilities]]

The Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines ('''FPGRM'''), formerly ''' Comacchio Company Royal Marines ''' ( 1980 - 1983 ) and ''' Comacchio Group Royal Marines ''' (1983- 2001 ), is a Commando -sized Specialist unit of the Royal Marines responsible for guarding the United Kingdom 's Nuclear Weapon s and other security-related duties.


HISTORY


On May 1 1980, the Comacchio Company Royal Marines was formed to guard Britain 's nuclear weapons and as a Maritime Counter-terrorist unit for offshore installations, including Oil Platform s and Ship s. The Comacchio Company RM initially numbered around 300 personnel.

Taking its name from a World War Two battle honour, the Comacchio Company's purpose was deemed inappropriate for a Commando-level specification. Instead, the Comacchio Company was named after a battle fought in Lake Comacchio , Italy , by Royal Marines in 1945 , where Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter of 43 Commando posthumously received the Victoria Cross for his actions. On its formation, Comacchio Company took on the colours and traditions of the-then defunct 43 Commando.

The Comacchio Company RM became Comacchio Group RM in November 1983 to reflect a manpower increase to over 400 Royal Marines. From 1987 onwards, the Comacchio Company also ceased performing in the counter-terrorist role, after a study transferred the task to a newly-formed Squadron of the Royal Navy Special Boat Service .

The Comacchio Group RM was renamed Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines in March 2001, and was restructured into its current organisation. The Group also moved from Condor Barracks in Arbroath , Scotland to HM Naval Base Clyde , which is situated near Helensburgh , Scotland.

In 2004 , Rifle squadron P was renamed S squadron and the Group was further expanded to a complement of 530.


TASKS AND ORGANISATION


As of 2005 , The Fleet Protection Group has over 500 personnel and is organised into several sub-units:

  • HQ Headquarters squadron

  • O rifle squadron

  • R rifle squadron

  • S rifle squadron


The Group currently performs several tasks, including providing boarding parties for Royal Navy vessels, a security presence at Northwood Headquarters in London , England and protection of Britain's nuclear weapons.

The Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is the only operational Royal Marines unit outside of 3 Commando Brigade , instead the group works through the Commander Operations Fleet to the Commander-in-Chief Fleet .


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