Iain Ballantyne

Iain Ballantyne is an established defence journalist, author of naval history books and scriptwriter. He is also Editor of the globally renowned naval affairs news magazine, 'WARSHIPS International Fleet Review' and contributes articles on modern naval affairs to both newspapers and magazines. Among his recently published works, Iain has written on NATO's counter-terrorist Operation Active Endeavour for a special publication to mark the 60th anniversary of the alliance and also for the Royal Navy's prestigious 'A Global Force' annual, on the British fleet's changing roles and combat training.

In 2007, Iain's work in the maritime arena was saluted with a Special Recognition Award from the British Maritime Charitable Foundation (BMCF), for making 'a consistent and unwavering contribution to raising maritime awareness over the years'. Iain has been to sea in aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, assault ships, frigates, destroyers and mine-hunters. His career covering naval forces began in style as long ago as 1990, flying aboard the gigantic nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for an exciting tail-hook landing while the ship loitered off the coast of Libya. A few hours later he was hurled off the ship's flight deck aboard a Greyhound turbo-prop during an equally enthralling catapult launch.

Iain's most recent time at sea with the Royal Navy was a visit to the frigate HMS Chatham, 'up-threat' in the northern Gulf, on the line of confrontation with Iran, and aboard the frigate HMS Somerset, on NATO counter-terrorist patrol in the Mediterranean.