THE 40 Commando Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday has been named as Cpl Stephen Walker, from Exmouth.

The MoD said tonight that Cpl Walker was killed in an explosion near Patrol Base Almas, in Sangin, Helmand province.

He becomes the second marine from 40 Commando to die in Afghanistan in less than two weeks, following Cpl Christopher Harrison's death on May 9.

He was conducting a joint foot patrol with the Afghan National Army to reassure and improve the security for the local population in the area when the incident took place.

The 42-year-old was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and lived in Exmouth with his wife Leona and their daughter Greer.

He was also a proud father to his son Samuel.

Leona Walker paid tribute to her husband after his death yesterday.

She said: "Steve was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Marines but he was a family man at heart.

"He was a fantastic Dad to Greer and he was the perfect soul-mate to me.

"Although this is a very sad time, Steve would want us to be positive. Remember the good times, the happy times.

"A lot of people's lives will be deeply affected by Steve's all-to-early departure.

"Life goes on, but it will never be the same for us."

Cpl Walker originally joined the Royal Navy on 19 May 1986, qualifying as a cook and serving at HMS Raleigh, HMS Cochrane and on board HMS Cleopatra.

He subsequently transferred to the Royal Marines, entering Recruit Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in March 1990, passing for duty in November 1990.

During his 20 year career he served across the broad spectrum of Royal Marine Units including Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, 40 and 45 Commando Royal Marines and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines as a Recruit Troop Instructor.

He had a widespread background of instructional expertise in areas such as Mortars, Platoon Weapons and jungle warfare.

He also had considerable operational experience in Northern Ireland, Southern Turkey and Northern Iraq and, most recently, Afghanistan.

In 2005, he excelled in his Junior Command Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, placing in the top three students on his course.

This promotion gave him the opportunity to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience to his young marines.

Joining 40 Commando Royal Marines in July 2009, he immediately conducted Mission Specific Training for deployment to Afghanistan.

In April 2010, he deployed with Alpha Company, 40 Commando to Op HERRICK 12, employed as a Section Commander based out of Patrol Base ALMAS. His Company had been responsible for providing security, thereby increasing their freedom of movement, to the people of Sangin during his time in Afghanistan.

On Friday morning, Alpha Company was conducting a reassurance patrol, alongside the Afghanistan National Army, near Patrol Base ALMAS. At approximately 8.50am local time, north of the Patrol Base an explosion occurred.

Tragically Cpl Walker was killed in action as a result of the blast.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin said: "Corporal Stephen 'Whisky' Walker, an ex-navy chef turned Royal Marine Commando, was one of the most professionally astute men I have ever met.

Brave, loyal, utterly dedicated and absolutely selfless, he died leading his section on patrol in southern Sangin.

Having served twenty years in the Royal Marines, he was my most experienced and probably my best Corporal.

I valued his counsel greatly and despite being his Commanding Officer, he taught me tactics.

"I often joined his section during our pre-deployment training.

He was a natural leader who cared passionately for his men; he trained, he operated, he lived and he died at the front.

He is a man who will be sorely missed by everyone in 40 Commando.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leona, daughter Greer, son Samuel, his family and friends.

Corporal 'Whisky' Walker was, and will always be, the consummate Commando."

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