Two annual engineering awards have been established and given out for the first time in HMS Prince of Wales.
The Admiral Wildish Award for Engineering Innovation was presented to CPOET(EL) Russell Kerwin, the Power Group Head within the ME Department, while the Cdr ME Award for Engineering Excellence went to LETME(EL) Marc Dredge.
CPO Kerwin, who received his award from VAdm Wildish’s daughter Angela Nicholson, also received a check for £200 and his name was engraved alongside a silver salver, which was presented to the Admiral by the Wardroom of HMS Prince of Wales in 1941.
The award is open to all Junior Rates, Senior Rates, Warrant Officers, or Commissioned Officers of any Engineering Department serving in the aircraft carrier.
The carrier’s Propulsion Engineering Officer Lt Alex Chenery said, “CPO Kerwin has been an indispensable figure in preparing both ship’s company and Prince of Wales herself for becoming high-voltage live.
“When it comes to providing assurance to Command that Prince of Wales and her crew will be safe to work and live in a HV environment both in build and in service, CPO Kerwin’s efforts have been exemplary in all respects. He has worked relentlessly and pragmatically to ensure the ship is ready to transform from a dead barge into a HV live ship.”
LET Dredge received his award from Cdre Barry Brooks, from the Worshipful Company of Engineers, one of the sponsors. He also received £100.
Propulsion Manager WO1 Mark Hinton said, “LET Dredge has had an exemplary start to 2018 as the team moved into deeper integration within Power and Propulsion, focussing on the goal of HV Live before the end of term.
“To support this LET Dredge was tasked with conducting in excess of 30 installation audits of varying HV system components, often without supervision, providing first-class feedback to the commissioning lead.
“Within the department, LET Dredge delivered what has been proclaimed as possibly the best technical brief this year, providing highly-detailed information in an amusing, comfortable manner which belies his current rate.
“Knowledgeable, inspirational and enthusiastic to boot, LET Dredge continues to impress his peers and superiors with his unwavering determination and willingness to get the job done.”
Both awards are sponsored by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and The Worshipful Company of Engineers.
