Hollywood-style changeover for Condor leaders

Command switches with beach run and sea swim to waiting boats

Leadership of the Arbroath-based Royal Marines unit has changed hands — in true Commando fashion.

As is usual for the battalion, the 45 Commando unit was put through its paces, completing a leisurely 10-mile run from their headquarters at RM Condor to the sands of Lunan Bay to mark the change.

The ceremonial run saw Lieutenant Colonel Tony Turner step down as commanding officer with 45 Commando, to be replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Forbes.

The Lunan Bay run is a rite of passage for 45 Commando Group ranks and is often followed by a compulsory dip in the North Sea.

On this occasion, to mark his departure, Lieutenant Colonel Turner took the plunge — alongside Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1 David Young — and in a Hollywood-style exit, swam out to waiting boats, which then whisked the pair away.

New commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Forbes, joins the unit after serving as military assistant to the Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon.

The handover comes as the base carries out a large training operation, with nearby residents in Carnoustie and Monifieth noting an increased number of helicopters in the skies above their homes.

The exercise, which will run for the rest of the week, is being supported by 845 Naval Air Squadron, part of the Commando Helicopter Force, based in Yeovilton, Somerset.

Lieutenant Colonel Tony Turner, left, hands over command of Condor to Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Forbes.

Lieutenant Colonel Turner says farewell by swimming out to waiting boats at Lunan Bay.