base, it being renamed Royal Marines Base Chivenor (RMB Chivenor). It became home to the Commando Logistics Regiment, Royal Marines and 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers. The airfield remained an operational airfield, used by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF Search and Rescue Force (No. 22 Squadron RAF) as well as No. 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron RAF (624 VGS) operating Grob Vigilant T1 motor gliders, providing flights for the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force. Proposed closure A Better Defence Estate, published in November 2016, indicated that the Ministry of Defence would dispose of RMB Chivenor by 2027. However, following a concerted campaign to keep the base open, the Ministry of Defence announced in February 2019 that the base would remain open. Based units Notable units based at RMB Chivenor. Royal Navy Royal Marines (3 Commando Brigade) Commando Logistic Regiment Headquarters Squadron Equipment Support Squadron Landing Force Support Squadron Logistic Support Squadron Medical Squadron Viking Squadron British Army Royal Engineers (3 Commando Brigade) 24 Commando Regiment 56 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron 54 Commando Engineer Squadron 59 Commando Engineer Squadron 131 Commando Engineer Squadron 24 REME Workshop Cadets In December 2020 the Volunteer Cadet Corps started a unit of Royal Marines Cadets at RMB Chivenor. Due to COVID-19, face to face activities were put on hold but as of October 2021 the first cadets and adult volunteers will be starting training on site. Role and operations Commando Logistic Regiment The Commando Logistic Regiment's role is to ensure the re-supply of ammunition, water, fuel and food, known as "combat supplies" to the ground forces, and to provide first-line medical care to any service person or civilian. It also provides specialist services to sustain the brigade's operation. 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers Formed in April 2008, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is a unit of the British Army's Royal Engineers which supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. RMB Chivenor in the media On 21 November 2008 the BBC Top Gear series filmed segments near to Chivenor. In the segments the presenter Jeremy Clarkson takes part in a mock battle on the beach at Instow with around 30 marines from Chivenor and elsewhere. The Sea Kings from 22 squadron A-Flight at Chivenor took a starring role in Episode 6 of the National Geographic Channel documentary television series Sea Patrol UK, with B-Flight of 22 Squadron at AAC Wattisham alongside Royal Navy and