The Team
Meet the Ocean Force team – made up of three friends, Joe, Alex, and Will. We’re incredibly passionate about supporting the brave and resilient people of Ukraine and we’re excited to take on an epic challenge to raise funds for the country’s recovery.
We truly believe that well-motivated people, even if a little past their physical prime, can accomplish amazing things. With a lot of grit, teamwork, and solid planning, we’re determined to prove it by rowing across the Atlantic Ocean!
We served together in the British Army 25 years ago and since then, we’ve all had some exciting adventures. But nothing compares to the challenge we’re about to take on. We’re thrilled to be reuniting as the “old team” and pushing ourselves to new limits.
While we’re eager to inspire others, this challenge is not just about us. Our ultimate goal is to raise a substantial amount of money that will go towards supporting Ukraine’s recovery. We’re passionate about making a meaningful difference and hope you will join us on the journey.
William Strickland
Will is a Colonel in the British Army, he has served on multiple operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere – being awarded an OBE and US Defence Meritorious Service Medal for his work on these operations. He is currently taking a sabbatical from the British Army to complete a PhD at Cambridge University.
Will is a keen adventurer and sportsman. In middle age, he took up endurance sports, such as open water swimming and triathlon. He is also a rower, and is currently competing for St John’s College, Cambridge University. He loves an arduous challenge and is looking forward to reuniting with his mates from the Queen’s Royal Hussars to row the Atlantic.
Will is a passionate supporter of Ukraine and hopes to raise a huge amount to assist with Ukraine’s recovery.
Will is a Colonel in the British Army, he has served on multiple operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere – being awarded an OBE and US Defence Meritorious Service Medal for his work on these operations. He is currently taking a sabbatical from the British Army to complete a PhD at Cambridge University.
Will is a keen adventurer and sportsman. In middle age, he took up endurance sports, such as open water swimming and triathlon. He is also a rower, and is currently competing for St John’s College, Cambridge University. He loves an arduous challenge and is looking forward to reuniting with his mates from the Queen’s Royal Hussars to row the Atlantic.
Will is a passionate supporter of Ukraine and hopes to raise a huge amount to assist with Ukraine’s recovery.
Will is a Colonel in the British Army, he has served on multiple operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere – being awarded an OBE and US Defence Meritorious Service Medal for his work on these operations. He is currently taking a sabbatical from the British Army to complete a PhD at Cambridge University.
Will is a keen adventurer and sportsman. In middle age, he took up endurance sports, such as open water swimming and triathlon. He is also a rower, and is currently competing for St John’s College, Cambridge University. He loves an arduous challenge and is looking forward to reuniting with his mates from the Queen’s Royal Hussars to row the Atlantic.
Will is a passionate supporter of Ukraine and hopes to raise a huge amount to assist with Ukraine’s recovery.
Joe Oliver
Joe has been chasing adventure since he was very young and has always loved sports. In his youth he played rugby for Bedford RUFC and then the British Army, he also competed at cross country and biathlon skiing, bobsleigh and even amateur boxing. It is fair to say he’s always up for a challenge.
For the last ten years, Joe has been living in Asia, working with multinationals to build and protect their brands. He’s a team team player who thrives in difficult and ambiguous environments. Joe likes to work hard but he believes having fun is just as important!
“I can’t wait to see what the Atlantic will throw at us, I hope my decrepit body is up to the challenge. Plus I’m really looking forward to seeing how much the team can raise to support Ukraine.”
William Strickland OBE
Will is a Colonel in the British Army, he has served on multiple operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere – being awarded an OBE and US Defence Meritorious Service Medal for his work on operations. He is currently taking a sabbatical from the British Army to complete a PhD at Cambridge University.
Will is a keen adventurer and sportsman. In middle age, he took up endurance sports including open water swimming and triathlon. He is also a rower, and is currently competing for St John’s College, Cambridge University. He loves an arduous challenge and is looking forward to reuniting with his old mates from the Queen’s Royal Hussars to row the Atlantic.
“I’m very excited about the race and I’m passionate about Ukraine. I hope we can raise a huge amount to assist with the country’s recovery.”
Alexander Forsyth
Alex is Lt Colonel in the British Army. After a very international upbringing, living in many different continents, he has continued to feed his appetite for travel and adventure. Alex has completed seven operational tours with the British Army and also studied Asian Studies at Madras University.
Alex is an all-round sportsman who enthusiastically takes on a wide variety of challenges. He’s a former rugby player, champion pistol shooter, and mountain marathon runner. He loves speed and has competed in various motorsport competitions across Europe.
Alex lives on the Isle of Wight with his large family (his wife Gini and their four daughters) he is a keen sailor, with international offshore sailing experience, who loves being out on the water.
“Like the rest of the team I’ve been really moved by the plight of Ukrainian people since the conflict started. I’m really looking forward to raising funds for our charities so they can help rebuild the country.”
