A memorable march-in by HMS WILDFIRE, a Royal Naval reserve unit, will be staged at Northwood Headquarters on Saturday.

This marks the return of the unit to its headquarters for the first time in 23 years, and will be watched by Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar.

The redevelopment saw 42 buildings demolished and 20 new buildings constructed and the unit’s new home will be in one of the refurbished buildings.

Commander Ant Chapman, Commanding Officer HMS WILDFIRE, said: “This parade is going to mark a very special day in the history of HMS WILDFIRE.

“I am hugely grateful to everyone who has been involved in getting us to this point and am very much looking forward to showing off the new HMS WILDFIRE and my fantastic ship's company.”

He added that the move back into the Northwood base, coupled with the superb new building, means they will be even better placed to provide trained, motivated and capable reservists for use on current operations, wherever they may be.

The band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth will be performing on the day to the guests, including senior naval officers, local councillors, employers of reservists, their family members and friends of HMS WILDFIRE.

Admiral Soar will unveil a plaque to commemorate this occasion after presenting awards and medals to a number of members in the unit.

HMS WILDFIRE is one of the 14 Royal Naval Reserve Units with approximately 70 members, and over the last 12 months, 15% of the unit has been mobilised to serve on operations.

The unit was originally stationed at Northwood Headquarters, but in 1988 moved from within the main base to Brackenhill House, an Edwardian mansion on Oxhey Drive South.

Lieutenant Commander Iain Finch said: “This is a new beginning, a great opportunity for us to highlight ourselves to the local community and it will hopefully serve as an increase in our recruiting numbers.”

When asked if it was worth the wait, he said: “Very much so. We are delighted with the work.”

Carillion and its joint venture partner HSBC Infrastructure Fund Management redeveloped, managed and operated the Northwood Headquarters over a 25 year period, under a PFI contract for the Ministry of Defence worth £1.2 billion.

The move will provide increased exposure to the Regular Armed Forces to enable more effective collaborative working, increase the realism and relevance of training and allow members company to take advantage of the range of fitness and social facilities available.

The site is key to the UK and its defence partners’ strategic defence capability and 19,000 people in 17 countries are commanded from Northwood.