'Extremely grateful' Royal Navy sailors embrace HMS Excellent families day as base opens doors to loved ones

Delighted Royal Navy sailors connected with their loved ones during families day.

Personnel opened the doors to HMS Excellent on Whale Island for two days worth of celebrations. Their service life can mean they’re separated from their loves ones for weeks or months at a time, from being on deployments across the world to intense shore positions.

Sailors at HMNB Portsmouth also took part in families day, with both events overseen by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital. Lieutenant Commander Matt Paterson, First Lieutenant at HMS Excellent, said: “The support provided by Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity has made a real difference to our Families Day.

“Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to offer a wider range of activities and attractions, creating a fun, inclusive and memorable event for Service personnel, veterans, families and friends.”

Various free activities were organised for both events, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look into how the shore establishments operate. Children’s entertainment was organised, giving families the chance to spend quality time together while learning about life in the Royal Navy and the organisations that support them.

Musicians from the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) performed various songs for the guests. This was part of rehearsals for the Beating Retreat ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London. The RNRMC and Greenwich Hospital funded the events to make sure the celebrations were accessible to everyone, removing any financial barriers and allowing as many families as possible to take part.

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Lt Cdr Paterson said: “The day provides an important opportunity for our naval and civilian community to come together, strengthen connections and recognise the invaluable support that families provide to those serving. We are extremely grateful to RNRMC for helping make this event possible and for their continued commitment to improving the wellbeing of the Royal Navy family."

The charity added: “While families day is filled with fun, its purpose runs much deeper. For military families, who often experience long separations and the uncertainty that comes with service life, these events provide an opportunity to reconnect, build friendships with others who understand their experiences and strengthen the support networks that are so important to wellbeing.

“Supporting events like these forms part of RNRMC's ongoing commitment to improving the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. Working alongside Greenwich Hospital, the charity is proud to help create opportunities that celebrate not only those in uniform, but also the families whose support makes their service possible.”