INTERVIEW
CAPT. HeNRY DuFFY N
ew Britannia Royal Naval College Captain Henry Duffy is the first man in his family to join the Royal Navy. “My family has a long history of joining the merchant mariners,” he tells me whilst we sit in his beautiful office overlooking the britannia royal Naval College’s Parade ground. “And the sea has always fascinated me – I always thought I would like to join the military and so was the first to cross to the Royal Navy. I always had a sense of adventure and when you combine that with a love of the sea I was never going to do anything else!” Capt Duffy is a very genial and
affable host – we chat easily about everything from his love of football to his appreciation of Dartmouth and the opportunities it will give him to go paddle boarding. I ask if he enjoys his job. His eyes
light up. “Ever since I joined the Navy 27
years ago I’ve enjoyed a very varied career path and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’ve had some amazing experiences: hunted Soviet Subs in the north at the end of the Cold War, taken charge of an Army platoon, trained to become a Green Beret, commanded HMS Liverpool – named after my home town and a great honour – and I’ve sailed all round the world.” Capt. Duffy said he took great
pride in commanding HMS Liverpool. “I was delighted to command her –
and I also got the chance to take her into Liverpool itself three times. The first time i had the chance to do that was a hugely proud moment for me. Sailing up the Mersey is a beautiful journey – a bit like coming into the Dart actually – and of course you sail past so many iconic landmarks along the route. The city has a wonderful relationship with the ship and we were made very welcome – as a
Liverpool boy it was very emotional. And the crew all enjoyed a very good run ashore!”
Capt Duffy said his memories of
his early Navy years continued to inspire him as he has moved higher up the Naval hierarchy.
I’m a great believer that the Navy can help young people make the best of themselves
“I’m passionate in my belief that
if you join the Navy it has to be a vocation,” he said. “if you want to get the most out of the experience you have to commit yourself to it heart and soul. This is not a 9-5 way of life. It is a family - and a great family at that. It offers wonderful adventure and a chance to see the world for
young people - and I have seen such amazing young people in my position of command. I’m a great believer that the Navy can help young people make the best of themselves – it certainly allowed me the chance to grow, learn and achieve a lot in 27 years!”
Capt Duffy is delighted when I ask about his family – he has been married to Lisa for many years and the couple have two teenage sons, Henry and Finn. “I’m very lucky to have such a
wonderful wife who is my best friend and supports me in the way she does,” he said. “our two sons are great boys and both are looking forward to coming down to Dartmouth because of the opportunities to get out and be active on the river and beyond!”
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