Royal Navy Reservists moved into a new building in Northwood Headquarters, having left the base in 1988.

The Ship’s Company of HMS Wildfire held a ceremonial “March In” to Building 99B, their new home in the Sandy Lane base on Saturday.

Royal Naval Reservists from Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire have been based in Northwood since 1957.

Their unit, named HMS Wildfire in 2002, was originally stationed at the Northwood Headquarters, but in 1988 was moved to Brackenhill House in Oxhey Drive South.

As part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Northwood Headquarters site, HMS Wildfire has been moved back into a modern, well-equipped training facility in the heart of the Headquarters.

The Royal Navy Reserve in Northwood was established to support the growing NATO Eastern Atlantic Command in 1957.

The Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve make up the Maritime Reserves, consisting of about 3,000 men and women who combine military duties with their civilian jobs.

They support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines both at home and abroad, in times of tension, conflict or humanitarian crisis.

Over the last 12 months, 15 percent of HMS Wildfire's company has served in military operations.

On hand to welcome the sailors in to the Headquarters and unveil a plaque to mark the occasion was Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Trevor Soar.

Admiral Soar said “It’s a real pleasure to welcome home the ship’s company of HMS Wildfire, which has maintained an enduring commitment to operations with a strong track record of deployment.

“I greatly value the work of the Royal Naval Reserve and, in particular, the important contribution to training and operations made by Wildfire.

Admiral Soar then presented the Unit awards for 2011, with Able Seaman Shane Andrews named the unit’s best new entry.

Lieutenant Laura Harrison was given the Top Achiever award and Lieutenant Commander Simon Goodes won the Commanding Officer’s prize.

Lt Cdr Goodes was one of four long-serving Reservists on parade who left the Headquarters back in 1988. They have nearly 120 years’ naval service between them.

On the day, other guests included senior naval officers, local councillors, employers of reservists, their family members and friends of HMS Wildfire.

They were treated to music by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth.

Commander Ant Chapman, commanding officer of HMS Wildfire, said “The move back into the main Northwood base, coupled with the superb new building we have been provided with, means we will be even better placed to provide trained, motivated and capable reservists for use on current operations, wherever they may be.”