Reservist Petty Officer Simon Davies has been recognised for his dedication to keeping the sea lanes of the Middle East safe and open for fellow seafarers.
The senior rating was named ‘warrior of the month’ for his contribution to the international effort guiding shipping through choke points in the region.
Simon, a Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) specialist, is mobilised to Bahrain as part of the UK’s contribution to an eight-nation coalition, the International Maritime Security Construct, which runs Task Force Sentinel.
Quickly gaining the trust and respect of his full-time counterparts as a duty watchkeeper, he became the first RN Reservist to take the title.
His role as group watch officer makes him responsible for the operations room whilst on duty, and he also trains other Gulf Cooperation Council military personnel to provide support and reassurance to mariners operating in the region.
“I’m delighted to be recognised for the contribution I’ve made to the Royal Naval Reserve and to operations in Bahrain,” he said,
“Although I have worked with other nationalities in NATO, this is the first time I’ve worked directly with our allies in a single team.
“It’s been extremely interesting to discover the various cultural differences between our various fleets and ways of working.
“Training service personnel from nations where English is not the first language has been the most rewarding and proves with a common mission, we can all deliver to affect an outcome which keeps us all safe.”
The mission in Bahrain is the fifth time the reservist – based at HMS Flying Fox in Bristol - has been mobilised into regular service, most recently last year as part of the military’s support to the pandemic response.
His Commanding Officer back in Bristol, Commander Chris Parry, said PO Davies was “an ambassador and credit to the Maritime Reserves and to HMS Flying Fox in particular.
“His exemplary conduct and dedication is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Navy and he follows in the footsteps of HMS Flying Fox’s ships company in deploying individuals on operations at home and across the globe.”
PO Davies’ specialist branch works with the Merchant Navy and shipping industry to make sure all are aware of the latest threats, dangers and issues, and advise commanders on how best to keep sea lines open for trade and logistics. They also research patterns of life in an area work closely with other interested parties stakeholders on matters which could adversely affect shipping.
