Retired civil servant Rita Rees from Huddersfield has been recognised for her outstanding achievements while working within the Headquarters at Her Majesty’s Naval Base, Portsmouth.
Rita retired at the end of September 2015 after more than 27 years’ service, and was awarded a commendation by the Second Sea Lord – Britain’s third most senior sailor.
The 60-year-old former Higher Executive Officer grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire where her two brothers still live.
She attended Greenhead Grammar School for Girls, before joining the Women’s Royal Naval Service in 1972, training as a radar plotter.
Rita married Ian in 1974 and left the Service in 1976 to start a family.
She joined the Civil Service in 1989 and worked in a number of administration and finance positions in HMS Dolphin, and HMS Sultan in Gosport and across the water at Portsmouth Naval Base.
She said: “I was surprised and delighted with the award given to me in recognition of my valuable efforts over a long period working in the Naval Base as the Officer Promotions Coordinator.”
During her long career, Rita recalled that the post of Officer Promotions Coordinator was her most enjoyable and rewarding job: “The team work was phenomenal at all levels and we achieved very high standards.”
Rita received her commendation from Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock – who oversees all personnel issues in the Royal Navy – at a ceremony in the Nelson Gallery of the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
He added: “My commendations provide me with the opportunity to formally recognise individuals who have excelled in their professionalism and dedication to the Naval Service.
“It is a privilege to present the commendations today to so many exceptional men and women and thank them personally for their outstanding efforts.”
On retirement Rita and her husband moved to Cardiff to be closer to their daughter Katharine and grandchild.
She is looking forward to her retirement and spending more time with her family. Her hobbies include foreign travel and walking
