HMS Collingwood says goodbye to executive officer

Sailors and staff at HMS Collingwood said goodbye to Commander Andy Phenna, the Executive Officer of HMS Collingwood.

Navy and civilian colleagues lined the route to wave farewell to Commander Phenna as he made his exit from the establishment in a gig, as the photographs show.

In addition to this farewell event Commander Phenna was the Guest of Honour at a celebratory Divisions where he was presented with an chart by Commanding Officer, Captain Andy Jordan; his wife Marion and daughter Darcey surprised him be attending and the RM Band Collingwood provided a special accompaniment to proceedings. 

Commander Phenna is leaving the Royal Navy after over 32 years of service to take up a position with the Sea Cadets as Head of Sea Training. 

In addition to being the Executive Officer of HMS Collingwood Commander Phenna was the Assistant Director of Rugby (Mariners) for seven seasons, a role that he will relinquish on departing the Navy, before the playing season begins.

 During this time, the Mariners went from strength to strength and have banished forever the “old men’s rugby” tag and become a professional and respected representational side. 

After several near misses, they got their collective hands on the Inter-Service trophy with two excellent wins against the RAF Vultures and the Army Masters last year.

He will continue to be both a Patron and a lifelong supporter of the RNRU and navy rugby in all its muddy glory, and hopes to still be a semi-permanent feature on the touchlines in the years to come.

Commander Phenna said on departing ”There is no finer job to leave the Navy from than as the Executive Officer of the Navy’s finest training establishment.”

Commander Phenna hands over the position to Commander David Johnston.