HMS Sherwood welcomes new Commanding Officer and leads Remembrance Sunday Parade
The Royal Naval Reserve unit for the East Midlands has a new commanding officer, who led the unit in playing a key part in Nottingham's Remembrance Sunday event jus days after taking command.
The Nottingham-based Royal Naval Reserve unit, HMS Sherwood, has proudly welcomed its new commanding officer, Commander Sacha Brooks, in a ceremony held at Foresters House, Chilwell. The event marked a significant transition as Commander Kathryn Jacques passed the command with the traditional four-word order, “You have the ship,” symbolising the handover of leadership.
Commander Jacques, who joined the Royal Naval Reserve at HMS Sherwood in 2004, concluded her tenure with a ceremonial departure atop a gun carriage pulled by Long Eaton Sea Cadets, where she began her naval journey. Reflecting on her service, Commander Jacques expressed her gratitude and best wishes for the unit's continued success under Commander Brooks' leadership commenting, "“It has been a privilege to serve as commanding officer at HMS Sherwood, where I joined the RNR 20 years ago, and to celebrate the unit’s 40th anniversary of commissioning last month with team members past and present along with friends and family."
Commander Brooks brings a wealth of experience to HMS Sherwood, having served in the RNR’s Media Operations Specialisation with deployments to conflict zones and as a media advisor with the Carrier Strike Group. Her appointment comes at a poignant time, coinciding with the unit’s 40th anniversary and the city’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
Within a week of taking command, Commander Brooks and HMS Sherwood’s ship’s company played a pivotal role in Nottingham’s Remembrance service at the City War Memorial on the Victoria Embankment. Leading the parade, HMS Sherwood represented the Royal Navy, honoring fallen comrades. Commander Brooks laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy, underscoring the unit’s deep connection with the community.
Commander Brooks remarked, “Taking command of HMS Sherwood during Remembrance Sunday is deeply meaningful. It reminds us of our bond with Nottingham and the legacy of those who served before us. As we look to the future, we invite those with commitment and drive to join us, becoming part of HMS Sherwood’s enduring legacy.”