Action man William joins Marines’ exercise

Oct 20 2007 Western Mail

PRINCE WILLIAM turned action man yesterday as he joined Royal Marines during a dramatic boarding operation.

Dressed in a waterproof suit and toting a machine gun, he clambered up a ladder onto an “enemy” tug boat with fellow raiders before seizing control of the vessel.

It was one of a series of exercises he took part in during an action-packed visit to Faslane naval base on the River Clyde, home of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

William went into action at dawn, joining four other Marines on a high-speed raiding boat.

Later he took part in the dramatic boarding operation with other Royal Marines.

Armed commandos boarded the target vessel simultaneously from a boat and helicopter in a meticulously timed exercise.

William, 25, was visiting Faslane in his capacity as Commodore in Chief Scotland and Submarines. The trip was designed to give him a chance to meet Royal Navy personnel and their families.