Sailor surprised as Navy Dad presents Graduation Certificate

Able Seaman Henrietta Goodrum has just graduated from her Leading Rates’ Leadership Course (LRLC) at the Royal Navy Leadership Academy (RNLA), HMS Collingwood, Fareham.

This momentous occasion in her life was made even more special when the VIP for the event arrived, it was her father Commander Simon Goodrum! 

Asking RNLA if he could visit his daughter on her last day of the course, Simon was delighted to be given the opportunity to present her certificate, made even more momentous as he will be leaving the Navy next year after 40 years of service.

Henrietta was delighted that her father, who is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Defence School of Healthcare Training Tri-Service Phase 2 and 3 Medics’ Training Unit, took time out to attend this special event, a milestone in his daughter’s Naval career. It was a great surprise.
She said “I was very surprised to see my Dad walk through the classroom door when we were having a chat with the OIC, I went bright red with embarrassment. Even though it was very embarrassing, it was a lovely surprise to see my Dad and was a once in a lifetime experience for him to present me with my certificate.”

Henrietta, 25, lives in Southsea with her sister, she grew up in Locks Heath, and also has two brothers. In addition to Dad, one of her brothers, Sam, is also serving in the RN. Joining the RN in 2015, she cites the highlights of her career so far as taking part in the November Ceremonies at the Cenotaph and at the Royal Albert Hall. She has also been a member of the HM Naval Base Portsmouth Field Gun Team, winning an award for ‘best newcomer’.

Selected for promotion to Leading Hand earlier this year and having now completed the course, she is due to join the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) organisation, in NATO Headquarters, Belgium.

When asked about having the honour to present his daughter with her certificate, Simon said, “It was a very proud moment for me especially as I am coming to the end of my career.  I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the students and the professionalism of the staff.  It was great to see that the quality of the RN Leadership training has continued to develop and improve.”