The Royal Navy’s Mine & Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG) has a new Commanding Officer. On, July 16, Commander (Cdr) Daniel Herridge handed over the leadership mantle to Commander (Cdr) Tim Castrinoyannakis.
With the Headquarters based at HM Naval Base Clyde, MTXG has approx. 250 Royal Navy personnel, consisting of operators, logisticians and engineers, spread across the UK and the globe.
MTXG is an effects-driven Group leading the integration of advanced autonomous technologies across the modern battlespace. Through the rapid adoption of automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and uncrewed systems, MTXG is transforming how capability is delivered to the front line—at pace, at scale, and with operational effect.
The Group has four squadrons: Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, and Zulu. Each Squadron has its own equipment set that is used for locating and identifying mines and other underwater threats over large areas of seabed. The equipment comes in modular configurations and can be moved by road or by sea to locations to set up for minehunting. This delivers a highly agile and flexible capability in comparison with conventional warships and is the cornerstone of what the Hybrid Navy Vision aims to deliver.
During his time in Command, Cdr Herridge has overseen a large change in the way that the Royal Navy conducts minehunting. MTXG has been working closely with industry partners and manufacturers to further develop a new and safer way of minehunting, most recently with the Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MMCM) system.
Dan and the broader MTXG team have been the driving force behind trailblazing this new way of working to deploy equipment from RN ships and boats as well as civilian vessels and Temporary Staging Bases ashore.
He joined the Royal Navy in 2001 and has enjoyed a distinguished career specialising in mine warfare, clearance diving, and maritime operations. With over two decades of operational experience, he has deployed on Operations Telic, Veritas and Kipion, serving in a range of leadership roles across the UK, Middle East and with international partners.
A qualified Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer and Principal Warfare Officer, he has commanded Southern Diving Unit 2; First Mine Countermeasures Squadron Mine Countermeasures Vessels; the UK Mine Countermeasures Force in the Arabian Gulf; and most recently the Mine & Threat Exploitation Group. His career has also included appointments as Chief of Staff to Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force and Deputy Commander Sea Training at Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST).
Cdr Herridge said: “As I hand over Command of MTXG, my overriding reflection is one of pride in our people. Through sustained change, operational demand and the challenge of bringing Maritime Unmanned Systems into service, the team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, adaptability and determination. Together, we have moved from aspiration to reality, generating trained operators, sustaining equipment and preparing capability for operational employment at the forefront of the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy transformation.
“My greatest respect remains with those delivering, or poised to deliver, operational effect on behalf of the Nation. Their commitment reminds us why our work matters. MTXG’s achievements have only been possible through the collective efforts of our people, our families, colleagues across Defence, industry partners and international allies. I leave immensely proud of what has been achieved and with great confidence in what comes next.”
Commander Tim Castrinoyannakis will take command of the four squadrons, Whiskey, X-Ray, and Yankee which are based in Portsmouth, and Zulu based at Clyde.
Tim joined the Royal Navy in 2006 and has built an accomplished career spanning Frigates, Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and maritime command. His operational service has included deployments on Operations Calash and Kipion, with appointments across the Mine Countermeasures Force, Fleet Diving Squadron, and wider maritime operations.
A qualified Mine Clearance Diving Officer and Principal Warfare Officer, he has commanded numerous Sandown Class Mine Hunters as Mine Countermeasures Squadron 1 Crew 1, including HMS Grimsby, Pembroke, Shoreham and Bangor, led EOD operations across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, and served as Chief of Staff to Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force. His contributions to counter-piracy operations and maritime security have been recognised through several commendations and awards.
Promoted to Commander, he assumed the role of Commander Global Sea Training for FOST Ships in January 2025, where he was responsible for delivering operational training and assurance across the Fleet.
On taking up the Commanding Officer role, he said: “MTXG are leaders in innovation and are at the forefront of autonomy. Although our equipment and emerging capabilities are impressive, it is our people who make the difference and ensure we remain an effective and credible Mine Counter Measures force. I am honoured and humbled to assume Command and look forward to supporting our people in meeting our nations expectations.”
