§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the current deployment is of British forces in Diego Garcia; and under whose command they operate; [100274]
(2) how many UK forces are normally deployed in Diego Garcia, broken down by rank; and how many, broken down by rank, are currently deployed. [101236]
§ Mr. IngramThe standard scheme of compliment of the Naval Party on Diego Garcia is 41 personnel, consisting of three officers, including Britmilrep, and 38 other ranks.
The current deployed strength which carries out civil administration of the territory on behalf of the Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory is 39 personnel. These personnel are currently under the operational command (OPCOM) of Commander-in-Chief Fleet, but on 1 April 2003 they will come under the command of the Chief of Joint Operations as part of a rationalisation of operational command responsibilities.
The personnel broken down by rank is as follows:
1 x Commander RN
1 x Major RM
1 x Captain RM
Other ranks—Navy
2 x Chief Petty Officers
3 x Regulating Petty Officers
12 x Leading Hands
Other ranks—Royal Marines
1 x Colour Sergeant
1 x Sergeant
5 x Corporals
12 x Marines