Culdrose Luke boxing clever

A Royal Navy Air Engineering Petty Officer from 824 Naval Air Squadron has been awarded the Captain’s efficiency prize for his dedication to Boxing at RNAS Culdrose.

At a small surprise ceremony in Culdrose’s boxing gym, POAET Luke Thomas received an engraved tankard and a much converted Captain’s Coin from Culdrose Commanding Officer, Captain Ade Orchard OBE.  

The presentations are in recognition of Luke’s commitment to running HMS Seahawk’s boxing club and taking on the Fleet Air Arm Command boxing coaching duties.

Luke runs regular training sessions on the Base which includes fitness boxing technical training and ring work with sparring. “I take boxers away to competitions and boxing training camps where organised,” said Luke.

“I also take on training with other Navy boxers from gyms around the FAA as required in my capacity as FAA coach.”

Never one to make a fuss about what he does, Luke was surprised at being selected from others on the air station.

“I was completely dumbstruck when the CO descended on the class I was teaching for the Phase2 trainees. 

"Seeing the Base Warrant Officer – Warrant Officer Bridgette Turner, staff from the gym as well as 824, my squadron made me feel pretty humbled that people think what I’m doing is out of the ordinary.

"I just love encouraging people to better their physical wellbeing and have a great time doing it. 

"Boxing is one of the hardest sports there is, the people that come into the Seahawk boxing gym all have something to be proud of.”

Luke also received a framed citation which will have pride of place on his wall at home…”I’m just like everyone else in the mob except I run the Seahawk boxing club.”