Brilliant young service men and women from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton recently marked the successful completion of their training to become competent Royal Navy Air Engineering Technicians (AET’s).
The newly qualified AET’s were joined by Officers from HMS Sultan near Portsmouth who shared their engineering success as they celebrated the completion of their Systems Engineering and Management Course SEMC(AE) where they learnt generic aircraft technical knowledge as well as wider engineering skills.
Commander (Cdr) Jo Deakin, Commanding Officer of the Air Engineering Department (AED) at Yeovilton congratulated those qualifying and welcomed their friends and families to the parade.
Passing them for duty and presenting their Certificates was the Guest of Honour, Commodore (Cdre) Malcolm Toy BSc MSc MA CEng FRAeS MIET RN, Senior Air Engineer in the Royal Navy and Head of Regulation and Certification at the Military Aviation Authority.
During the Phase 2b 55 week course these competent trainees undergo 8 weeks of classroom instruction on mechanical and avionic systems, common practices and documentation processes for helicopters. The remaining time is spent on a training squadron where they are introduced to helicopter operations and maintenance practices.
In addressing the students’ families Cdre Toy thanked everyone present saying: "The success of these young men and women is in no small part thanks to the support of their friends and families.”
To the trainees Cdre Toy added: "Well done, mark the day and enjoy some well earned time off with your families.”
Cdre Toy presented each student with their certificates, amongst which were 6 individuals recognised for their achievements and qualities. Traditionally awardees are not informed until the presentation and the award and recognition of these awards is an important marker in the career of the individual – recognised throughout the Royal Naval service.
The Academic Award is presented to the student who has achieved the best results during their training; The recipient, AET Joshua Jenner (22), CHF Merlin Academic Award winner said: "I feel brilliant. Very proud. Today sees the end of training but the beginning of my career”
AET McNamara, winner of the LWMF (Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force) Wildcat Academic award said: "We knew about the awards but obviously not who would be awarded. I’m over the moon”
The Ethos Award is presented for spirit, loyalty, respect, sense of humour and determination during training. The LWMF Ethos award winner was AET Watson and the CHF Ethos award was presented to AET Reynolds.
AET Thomas Reynolds (23) said; "It’s a lovely surprise, I’m overwhelmed. The Royal Navy is the opportunity to have a great career and travel the globe.”
The Survival Equipment Section Neptune award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the most professional, mature and determined attitude. The award was presented to NA (SE) Lee.
The John Phesse Memorial Prize is awarded to the Air Engineering Senior Upper Yardsmen, an Officer who, after 10 months at HMS Sultan has completed the Systems Engineering and Management Course SEMC (AE) having made the most significant contribution to their course. The award was presented to S/Lt Murray.
S/Lt Daley Murray said; "I’m incredibly honoured and proud to receive this award”
On completion of the parade and awards the happy, relieved and smiling newly qualified AET’s and Officers joined their families, instructors and industry guests to celebrate their success and achievements over lunch.
