Tim handed command of Royal Navy warship (From Wharfedale Observer)

Tim handed command of Royal Navy warship

9:40am Friday 15th June 2012 in Local news By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

A former Ilkley Grammar School pupil has been handed control of one of the Royal Navy’s biggest warships.

Commander Tim Neild is now in charge of HMS Argyll – 21 years after joining the navy.

The 40-year-old says it is the highlight of his career in the forces, and he is looking forward to the challenges ahead for the ship.

“Argyll is the pinnacle of my career to date,” he said.

“She has a fantastic reputation and a superb ship’s company.

“I am really looking forward to taking her to sea later this month and preparing for operations.

“After 21 exciting and fulfilling years in the Royal Navy, it is a true privilege to be selected to command such a highly capable warship.”

HMS Argyll is the fourth ship under Cdr Neild’s command, but his biggest to date, and is a 5,000-tonne type 23 frigate with a crew of about 180.

She is fitted with anti-surface and anti-air missiles, medium and close-range guns, a comprehensive suite of sensors and her own Lynx helicopter armed with torpedoes.

“Argyll is an agile warship with a breadth of capability, able to conduct the full gamut of operations, from humanitarian assistance to high-end war fighting. I am really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” Cdr Neild said.

Cdr Neild lives in Hampshire with his wife Claire, who is also originally from Ilkley, and their two young children.

He retains strong links with Ilkley, and his parents – Brian and Carol Neild – have lived in the town for more than 30 years, while his brother, Michael, still lives in the area.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1991 and has served on a number of warships and operations worldwide, from counter narcotics operations in the Caribbean to maritime strike operations off Libya, as well as oil platform protection in Iraq.