The Royal Naval Reserve in Northern Ireland

There are 140 volunteer sailors in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) in Northern Ireland. The Reserve Training Centre is HMS Caroline a First World War cruiser, which is berthed in Belfast Docks. They are an integral part of the Fleet and are liable for mobilisation at a time of crisis. They are not part of the security forces employed in Northern Ireland but many volunteer to serve in the Fleet and have seen service recently in the Balkans and the Gulf.

The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is an integral part of Britain's naval forces, comprising a corps of some 3,250 men and women who train in peacetime to enable the Royal Navy to meet its operational commitments in times of stretch, crisis, tension and war.

Although some 25% of RNR personnel have previously served in the Royal Navy, the majority are volunteers drawn from all walks of life, together with a small number of qualified Merchant Navy deck officers, civilian medical practitioners and nurses.

Personnel are specifically trained to take their place alongside their regular counterparts, both at sea and ashore.