Cornish sailor takes charge of iconic warship HMS Victory
Lieutenant Commander Steve Cass will be in charge of the ship's company
Last updated 18th May 2025
A Cornish sailor has taken charge of one of the most iconic warships in the world - HMS Victory.
Lieutenant Commander Steve Cass, who grew up near Porthleven, and RNAS Culdrose will be in charge of the ship's company.
“It’s just such a massive honour,” he said. “HMS Victory means so much to the Royal Navy and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. I am still pinching myself to be honest.”
Lt Cdr Cass grew up just a couple of miles from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. He went to school in Helston and quickly identified the Fleet Air Arm base for his future career.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1986 and was delighted to be posted back to RNAS Culdrose the following year, as an air engineering mechanic 2nd class. He worked on the navy’s Sea King helicopters and later the current Merlin helicopters.
He said: “Taking command of HMS Victory is not something I could ever have dreamed of when I joined up; that was to get my hands dirty working on Sea Kings. I come from a very humble Porthleven background and still have many friends and close family in the area.
"The way the Royal Navy works is a great leveller for any recruit. They cut our hair the same, dressed us the same and treated us as equals amongst ourselves. Ultimately, you are judged by your effort and ability. It’s all based on merit.”
Lt Cdr Cass rose through non-commissioned ranks to become a warrant officer and served for over three years as the most senior rating in the navy, known as Warrant Officer of the Naval Service.
He was commissioned as an officer on the recommendation of the Navy Board, first as a lieutenant and later promoted to lieutenant commander.
He has served in various roles including as a project manager at the training base HMS Collingwood, at the Air Engineering School at HMS Sultan and in Royal Navy recruitment.