WO1 Andy Patton, the Executive Warrant Officer onboard HMS Iron Duke was presented with a clasp to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal following 30 years of exemplary Service in the Royal Navy.
His extensive sea experience spans sea assignments in numerous Type 22, Type 23 Frigates and HMS Albion, as well as diverse shore roles with Lisbon NATO Headquarters and in Maritime Battlestaff Headquarters.
During his career which started at age 17, he has also seen service as a FOST ‘sea rider’, an instructional role providing mentoring to sailors on-board Ships that are training to deploy.
The award was presented by Rear Admiral Clink OBE, who currently holds the position of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).
It is fitting that the Admiral was able to present the award during his visit, because both Rear Admiral Clink and Warrant Officer Patton had served together previously in the Middle East.
During his 24 hours on-board, the Admiral took the opportunity to tour the Ship’s departments talking to all personnel on-board to gather feedback on the training they have received throughout their careers.
In his role as FOST, Rear Admiral Clink is responsible for the oversight of all training activity conducted in the Royal Navy.
This spans basic military training courses as well as leadership and career progression courses for those already serving.
Finally, he is also responsible for training all Royal Navy Ships with the skills needed for them to deploy on live operations.
HMS Iron Duke completed a period of Sea Training with the FOST organisation prior to deploying as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) which had until recently been operating in the Baltic region, demonstrating the UK’s commitment operating as part of a NATO Task Group.
Currently she is conducting Exercise Joint Warrior with her NATO partners from SNMG1.
