HMS HIBERNIA HOSTS SENIOR ROYAL NAVY CHAPLAIN

On the 7th June 2018 The Venerable Ian Wheatley, who is the Senior Royal Navy Chaplain visited Northern Ireland. The aim of the visit was for the Senior Chaplain to gain a broad understanding of the role the Royal Navy Reserve has to play in Northern Ireland along with the opportunities it can offer new and aspiring Chaplains. He also got the opportunity to visit HMS Caroline, which is one of only three surviving Navy ships from WW1 and the former home of the Royal Naval Reserve in Northern Ireland until 2009.

Venerable Ian Wheatley CB QHC Royal Navy, Chaplain of the Fleet (COTF) and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, was appointed as Senior Naval Chaplain in 2014 and, apart from his deputy, he is the only Naval Chaplain who holds a rank. 

During his visit, he met with members of HMS HIBERNIA and also with the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Archbishops and the Presbyterian Moderator about the possibility of having more chaplains for the RN.

His views on wanting to create a diverse and inclusive working environment in which all our people can be valued and respected for who they are, is widely and fully supported here in NI. 

Our own Chaplain in training, OC Simon Hamilton says, “It was a privilege and pleasure for me to spend time with the COTF and especially having him speak at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.” He went on to say, “It was also wonderful to have seen how thrilled the COTF was when he visited HMS Caroline and his clear delight in witnessing the recent excellent refurbishment works of this historic vessel.   For me it was brilliant to have been included in the details of his visit and to know that links with my own Church were strengthened as a result of the visit.

“It was an honour to have a 2 Star Military person visit HMS HIBERNIA and parts of the local community and we hope this recent visit encourages members of the public to get involved and support our serving personnel across the UK.” 

Our cameras caught up with the Senior Chaplain to get his thoughts on what the chaplaincy can offer reservists across the country and specifically in Northern Ireland. He expressed The Royal Navy offers a world of unparalleled opportunities for its reservists. And this means the type of spiritual guidance and support they need is equally unique. The friendship and advice you’ll need to offer as a Reserve Chaplain will be unlike anything you’ve done in your civilian career.

Check out our video from the day….