The third occurrence of Exercise Virginia Gauntlet saw the Royal Marines retain their title against United States Marine Corps.
Over 250 Royal Navy & Marines descended upon the Eastern Seaboard in April for a sports competition with the US Marine Corps.
Washington Embassy Royal Marine Attache Col Matt Churchwood said, ‘This proved to be an outstanding retention positive opportunity for the Royal Navy, providing the opportunity to travel, take part in demanding sports events, and building lasting relationships with US military counterparts.
In examples of wider activities the teams played soccer (football!) with military cadets from West Point, and the New York Police Department; enjoyed squash at the elite New York racquet clubs, and boxed against midshipmen at the US Naval Academy Annapolis - where Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, the Superintendent, clearly enjoyed the performances!
The US Marine Corps invested in this exercise, proving to be superb hosts at Quantico; their approach and prowess on the sports pitches have developed considerably since the last sports tour in 2019, demonstrating a surprising talent at rugby which caused the Royal Marines team to work hard for a win, and pushing the soccer final to a penalty shootout.
His Majesty’s Ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce visited Quantico to watch the Brazilian jiu-jitsu finals and meet the teams, hosted by Lieutenant General James Glynn, Deputy Commandant Manpower & Reserves, and Brigadier Matt Jackson, Director Joint Services Command & Staff College.
Once the results were tallied it was a close call but the Royal Marines ran out overall winners with a scoreline of 4 – 3 over the 7 events, but in credit to the staff from the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines who planned the exercise, it ticked the defence engagement box; many of the individual events were close and thus not the lopsided competition witnessed in previous years.
In a climate that demands investment in recruiting & retention opportunities, VIRGINIA GAUNTLET was a resounding success for both the Royal Navy and US Marine Corps.’
The exercise not only enabled defence engagement with the US Marine Corps, but allowed our own personnel to engage with a huge range of US sports associations, charities, and facilities across the country. The event had a huge impact on the morale and lived experience of personnel across the Navy and Marines, and provided an array of ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities.
All made that little bit sweeter with the raising of the Virginia Gauntlet trophy for a third time.
