Royal Marines Get New Honorary Colonels at Lympstone
Two high-profile figures have been named Honorary Colonels in the Royal Marines Reserve during a visit to the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, near Exeter. Watching recruits sweat it out, these new ambassadors will bring their experience and know-how to help shape the next generation of elite green berets.
Victoria Pendleton and Dwayne Fields Step Up
Double Olympic champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton, no stranger to gruelling physical and mental training, joins the ranks alongside explorer and youth advocate Dwayne Fields. Both are determined to take on the tough Commando tests to prove their commitment.
“It is a privilege to be considered for this honorary role and to be associated with the Royal Marines,” said Victoria. “I appreciate and respect their dedication and commitment to excellence… I pledge to uphold the mindset and values of the Royal Marine Commandos with dedication and respect.”
“I’ve always respected the values, mindset and spirit of the Royal Marines, that ‘strive to improve and inspire’ attitude and its approach to respecting others,” added Dwayne Fields. “I look forward to working with our brave serving personnel and facing the challenge of the Commando tests.”
From Elite Sport to Arctic Explorer
Victoria’s background in elite sport will help improve recruit training, especially for female commandos. Meanwhile, Dwayne’s remarkable journey from surviving knife and gun crime in London to becoming an Arctic explorer and one of the first black Britons to reach the North Pole will open new doors and inspire young people from diverse communities.
Royal Marines Welcome Fresh Expertise
General Gwyn Jenkins, Commandant General Royal Marines, hailed the appointments:
“Victoria is one of Great Britain’s most successful female Olympians and will be a fantastic ambassador as we invest in human performance, inspiring our people to be the best physically and mentally.
Dwayne’s Arctic exploration and dedication to youth make him an incredible ambassador for our Commando Force — especially as we ramp up training in the High North.”
As ambassadors, Victoria Pendleton and Dwayne Fields will champion the Royal Marines Reserve, advocate across communities, and help keep this elite force at the peak of their game.
