The Board of Patrons for Antarctic Endurance 2016 is:
Royal Patron:
HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, OM, GBE, ONZ, QSO, AC, GCL, CC, CMM
Principal Patron:
The Honourable Alexandra Shackleton BA FRGS
My father was Ernest Shackleton’s youngest child Edward, who became Leader of the House of Lords. I was Sponsor of HMS ENDURANCE for 23 years and I am currently Sponsor of the BAS ship RRS Ernest Shackleton. I have been to the Falkland Islands 8 times, South Georgia 3 times and the Antarctic 4 times; I am a member of associated committees. I have spoken in many countries on Shackleton’s leadership and been Patron of several Polar Expeditions.
I am confident that Antarctic Endurance 2016 will make me a very proud Patron indeed.
Senior Service Patrons:
Admiral Sir George Zambellas GCB DSC ADC
I salute the ambition of Exercise Antarctic Endurance 2016. It is a project which will inspire, celebrate and educate.
Sir Ernest Shackleton is, without reservation, my personal leadership model because of the way in which he shaped the success he achieved, and this venture is a fitting tribute to mark the centenary of his team’s heroic exploits in the Antarctic. Not only will this expedition provide its participants with a once in a lifetime experience, but it also aims to give a new generation of sailors and marines the thirst for adventure on land and sea. And the research it conducts into team dynamics and performance will also be used to inform the training and through-life development of personnel serving in today’s Royal Navy.
All of which means I am delighted to be the Senior Service Patron for this imaginative, valuable and unique expedition.
General Sir Gordon Messenger DSO* CB OBE RM
This is the launch of a 3-year project standing on the shoulders of Shackleton to conduct research into team dynamics, centred on a 6-week sailing and mountaineering expedition to the Antarctic and South Georgia by the Naval Service.
Ex ANTARCTIC ENDURANCE is an exciting, ambitious project which embodies the qualities we expect of our young sailors and Marines. Combining risk, adventure, determination and teamwork with respect for the Antarctic environment and its rich history, it will be an outstanding opportunity for the selected few.
Vice Admiral Simon Lister CB OBE
I am delighted to support Exercise Antarctic Endurance 2016. The team will push themselves to the limit, sailing and mountaineering in the most demanding environment for both disciplines. The more experienced will pass on their knowledge to the more junior, on an expedition that will test them all. Pushing to the limit and managing that risk is what we do, and this expedition is bound to test all team members to the limit. Good luck.
Vice Admiral Duncan Potts CB
Antarctic Endurance 2016 is just the sort of expedition I am delighted to be associated with. For those who participate they will return to the service with determination, resilience and leadership to inspire others
Principal Patron Meets the Team
The Honourable Alexandra Shackleton meets some of the team onboard Xplore while alongside HMS PRESIDENT in June 2015.
Patrons Provide Messages of Support at the Launch Event on 12 Oct 15
“I am very impressed with all that has been achieved so far, in so many fields. This bodes very well for the expedition.”
The Honourable Alexandra Shackleton, Principal Patron
“What we’ve seen in Shackleton’s leadership – his energy, commitment, belief in himself and his people – are precisely the sort of qualities that we want to see in today’s Royal Navy and Royal Marines. I think that the Antarctic Endurance 2016 challenge is all about trying to reproduce that spirit, to inspire a new generation.”
Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC
“Great feats inspire generations and the exploits of Shackleton and his team resonate even today, one hundred years on. The Antarctic Endurance expedition is both a product and extension of such inspiration. The young men and women involved are following a rich tradition of adventure, challenge and calculated risk, capturing the essence of Royal Navy and Royal Marine spirit.”
Lieutenant General Gordon Messenger DSO* CB OBE RM
“I am absolutely delighted to see the thorough preparations for Antarctic Endurance 2016 nearing completion and offer my congratulations to the leadership team for bringing together such a broad cross section of the Naval Service. What lies ahead will challenge their stamina, endurance and resourcefulness to the absolute limit – a life changing experience for most that I hope will help to inspire others to engage in Adventurous Training in the future.”
Vice Admiral Simon Lister CB OBE
“I am delighted that preparations for Antarctic Endurance 2016 have progressed to the point that the expedition is assured. With team selection now complete I am glad to see such a spectrum of junior officers and ratings/marines from across the Naval Service.”
Vice Admiral Duncan Potts CB