Famous for its harbour, Falmouth has had historical links with the Royal Navy stretching back several centuries.

Reputed to be the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe and the third-largest in the world, Falmouth is now home to some of the Navy's largest vessels.

Casting a watchful eye across the Royal Navy's presence this far west is the Resident Naval Officer (RNO) a unique and important posting that maintains the relationship between Falmouth, Industry partners and the Royal Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Trevor Brookes holds the post and as the RNO, remaining as the only permanent position for the Royal Navy in Falmouth.

The Falmouth Dockyard still hosts regular visits from Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and NATO vessels, and Trevor Brookes is the first point of contact for all, ensuring that any military needs are met by linking into the Dockyard support and services as well as contacts with the town.

"Having been in post since 2015, the role is varied as there are many different and changing needs depending on the vessels and what they are preparing for," said Trevor.

"This week, in particular, we have HMS Scott, the Royal Navy's Ocean going survey vessel in a dry dock for maintenance and RFA Lyme Bay loading stores and specialised equipment for upcoming deployments to the Caribbean."

Key to the post is the provision of dockyard support; helping supply essential services such as booking cranes and vehicles, arranging contractors for maintenance work, and keeping the Ships and sailors safe through provision of security.

"The RNO facilitates the smooth running of Port Operations for all visiting RN Ships and vessels. I have an overview of all separate silos within the dockyard, so I link them together in a polarised effort on behalf of the Logistic departments and the Ship's Commanding Officers."

However, the Resident Officer also acts as an important link to the local community ensuring that the Royal Navy remains an active presence in the town.

He involves sailors in events ashore and is a useful guide to the array of great services locally whilst also creating opportunities for organisations to visit vessels or get involved with the Royal Navy across the Town and Cornwall.

Trevor continues, "As a representative of the Naval Regional Commander, I look to maximise outreach and engagement opportunities to get a Ship's Company ashore to take part in civic services or parades, and I reciprocate this by enabling ship visits for cadet units and affiliates such as the Falmouth Maritime School".

In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also falls to the RNO to link into response work, as a member of the Local Resilience Forum (LRF).

In partnership with the local council and emergency services, in the past, this has seen Lt Cdr Brookes coordinate naval support with floods or other crises.

At the moment it means he is prepared to help local response efforts and ensure the Royal Navy is best placed to assist in any tasking that emerges.

Referring to his resilience work, he said: "The Royal Navy has a role locally to support MACA - Military Aid to Civilian Authority tasking, particularly with any COVID-19 work I will connect regularly with local emergency planners and blue-light services."