Armed forces minister rewards Navy’s top sailors

Star sailors from the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth flotilla have been rewarded for outstanding achievements by the Armed Forces Minister.

In her last day in office (Monday 18^th July) Penny Mordaunt presented 29 awards to personnel who have gone the extra mile for their ship or unit during the past 12 months.

The ceremony on Friday (July 15) was held on board HMS Victory and was followed by a dinner at HMS Nelson.

Two recipients of the award are based on the 65,000-tonne giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently in build at Rosyth. Chief Petty Officer Graeme Duncan was recognised for his efforts in working with industry to ensure that the ship’s fresh water system, galley and laundry were ready for the ship’s company to move on board.

Medical Assistant Louise Whalley was rewarded for her key role in introducing and managing the ship’s first aid and medical training plans and for tailoring effective bespoke training for different departments.

Commander Portsmouth Flotilla, Commodore Peter Sparkes said: “In a challenging year when the Portsmouth Flotilla has scarcely been busier, it is really important that we recognise some of the extraordinary individual efforts of our Sailors, which contribute so powerfully to our collective successes.

“I am delighted that the Minister for the Armed Forces agreed to present these awards in the presence of the recipient’s partners today, and I am also grateful to BAE Systems and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity for their support in making it possible.”

Special guests at the award ceremony included Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock and partners of the award winners, along with representatives from 12 Livery companies with affiliations to the Portsmouth Flotilla which includes Shipwrights, Merchant Taylors and Fishmongers.

Full list of Award Winners

CPOET(ME) Graeme Duncan - HMS Queen Elizabeth

MA Louise Whalley - HMS Queen Elizabeth

CPO(ME) David Mcallen - 2^nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron

LET(ME) (L) Christopher Butler - 2^nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron

Leading Diver Jay Proctor - 2^nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron

Lt Alexandra Harris - HMS Mersey

LET(WE) Darren Clayton - HMS Severn

ET(ME)1 Alexander Edwards - HMS Tyne

Leading Chef Russell Aitken - HMS St Albans

CPOET(ME) Davidson - HMS Westminster

LSC Raquel Marter - HMS Westminster

Lt Ben Lewis - HMS Daring

>MA Emma Bull - HMS Daring

LACPO John Edmunds - HMS Dauntless

LS(SEA) Adam Drozdowski - HMS Defender

PTI Luke Steele - HMS Diamond

PO David Pitcher - HMS Duncan

MA Louise Craig - HMS Duncan

LS(EW) Timothy Dodge - HMS Dragon

PO(SEA) Daniel Tregarthen - HMS Iron Duke

ETWE(CIS) Oliver Darnell - HMS Iron Duke

Lt Keith Tobin - HMS Kent

LCH Spender Mhlanga - HMS Kent

Leading Diver Scott McAllister - Northern Diving Group

PO(D) Nicholas McPherson - Southern Diving Group

PO(D) Johnathon Norris - Fleet Diving Unit 1

Leading Seaman Carl Butterworth - HMS Richmond

POET(WE) Lee McCartney - HMS Richmond

Lt Amy Willcocks - HMS Clyde

POWtr Pete Gladden –PORFLOT HQ

Lt Cdr Christopher Holmes – PORFLOT HQ

WO1 Kevin Smith – Hunt Class Output Management (Joint Commander’s Commendation)

In a challenging year when the Portsmouth Flotilla has scarcely been busier, it is really important that we recognise some of the extraordinary individual efforts of our Sailors, which contribute so powerfully to our collective successes.