Rear Admiral John Weale, the Head of the UK Submarine Service, said: “It was a magnificent evening. We may be known as the silent service, but the achievements of the award winners were something to shout about.
“Each, in their own way, has contributed significantly to supporting our operations, vessels, personnel and families and I would like to thank them all for their tireless work and dedication.”
Prizes presented during the awards ceremony included:
The Conqueror Trophy for operational excellence
Sponsored by Thales, along with the trophy comes a contribution to the winning unit’s welfare fund. The crew of a Vanguard Class SSBN picked-up the award this year, in recognition of outstanding efforts made by the crew to maintain Continuous at Sea Deterrence against a backdrop of significant material challenges.
The Safe Guardian Unit Award
This award was given to the crew of a Fleet Class Submarine for the outstanding planning and execution of a complex engineering task at sea. The crew’s handling of the repair set a future precedent for what is achievable if Health and Safety policies are applied intelligently.
The Safe Guardian Individual Award
Leading Engineering Technician (LET) Weapon Engineering Submarine (WESM) Yeats was the worthy recipient of the Safe Guardian Individual Award. LET Yeats’ research and analysis into equipment failure will result in a number of improvements.
Family Awards
Two people received Family Awards during the night, in recognition of the valuable contribution they have made to supporting the families of serving Submariners.
Nicola Trollope and Selina Thompson were each given a trophy, Nicola for her work with families in the Dinky Dolphins Crèche, where she is always there to lend a helping hand.
Described as an “unsung hero in the Helensburgh community”, Nicola often goes above and beyond in supporting others, using her own experience of being a naval wife and mother to help understand their difficulties.
Selina was presented with her award for her work in helping to organise Forces Family Friday and her voluntary work with Forces Families Events for Royal Navy and Royal Marine Welfare (RNRMW).
A credit to the team of volunteers, Selina is always there to help and support events during the year and was also instrumental in helping families to understand the community better, allowing those moving to the area to better access information on schools, housing and other essentials.
The RNRMW Award
Coxswain Iain Mackenzie received this award in recognition of his valuable contribution to the welfare of naval personnel and families, not only during a 27-year career in the Submarine Service, but also afterwards when he joined the RNRMW team in 2011.
Iain’s dedication to the community extends into his own time where he is active in a number Service charities and Chair of the local SSAFA In-Service Volunteer Committee.
He will also be fondly remembered by many children as Santa’s helper, who gave up his own Christmas morning to visit the children of deployed Submariners to deliver messages from their parent.
Special Recognition Award
Leading Medical Assistant (LMA) Matthew Greening-Jackson was part of the Edinburgh Tattoo Support Group at this year’s Edinburgh Tattoo. On August 19 he sprang into action when a civilian caterer at Redford Barracks suddenly collapsed.
While waiting for an ambulance, it was discovered that the patient had stopped breathing and LMA Greening-Jackson administered CPR for several minutes ultimately restoring his breathing.
The patient recovered sufficiently to eventually be released from hospital, but Paramedics in attendance acknowledged that it was the LMA’s quick actions which had saved the man’s life.
Submariners Association Trophy
Able Seaman Peacock currently serving on a Vanguard Class SSBN was awarded the trophy by Rear Admiral Niall Kilgour CB for his outstanding efforts during his time in training at the Submarine School, HMS Raleigh.
Industrial Partners Awards
Three members of Babcock Marine Clyde received Industrial Partner Awards for their support to the Submarine Service.
Thomas Walsh and Charles Milton were commended for their integral part in the delivery of submarines to operations, and Fraser Macintosh was recognised for his ongoing support to FOSNI and his efforts in ensuring that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ran as smoothly as possible from a Head Chefs perspective.
