Two Trafalgar Class submarines were recognised in this year’s Submarine Safe Guardian Awards at Navy Command Headquarters.
Head of the UK Submarine Service, Rear Admiral John Weale presented the award to crew members from HMS Trenchant and Torbay, in recognition of their exemplary safety and environmental protection contribution to the submarine flotilla.
The Unit Award was won by HMS Trenchant, whose commanding officer, Commander Rob Watts, received the award on behalf of the Ship’s Company.
Two individual awards were presented to Trenchant’s Lieutenant Commander Douglas Ritchie and Torbay’s Leading Engineering Technician (Marine Engineer Submarines) Stuart Williams.
“Everyone associated with Submarine Service can be very proud of the Trafalgar class team’s professionalism, adaptability and responsibility, especially regarding its commitment to the highest safety and environmental standards,” said Rear Admiral Weale.
HMS Trenchant had realigned its Single Tag Out System (STTS) to be better aligned to the systems used by contractors during here two year Revalidation & Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP).
This saw significant amount of work undertaken outside of people’s normal workloads both by the Ship’s Staff and Babcock Marine personnel.
Of particular note, were the contributions of Warrant Officers 2 Mark Mullan and Craig Taylor, Tracey Romanel and Paul Chilarecki.
The unit received £250 for its welfare fund provided by the Naval Service Prizes and Awards Fund.
Lt Cdr Ritchie played a key role in the management of Safety Health & Environmental (SHE) processes during the boat’s RAMP, by taking an active role in the maintenance and development of a positive safety culture.
He worked closely with Babcock Marine, Defence Equipment & Support and military personnel. He received £50 from the Naval Service Prizes and Awards Fund in recognition of his effort.
LET(MESM) Stuart Williams received his award for his time as the focal point for Torbay’s SHE matters, and operating at a level normally expected above his current rank.
He took on additional responsibilities surrounding the transition from the boat’s two year maintenance period to becoming an operational submarine again.
Stuart also received £50 provided by the Naval Service Prizes and Awards Fund.
