Royal Navy personnel celebrated in King's Birthday Honours

Men and women from a host of units and bases from across the navy and Royal Marines have had their hard work and commitment to going the extra mile rewarded.

A handful of the recipients are responsible for getting Royal Navy ships to the front line of global operations from contributing to HMS Dauntless’ engine upgrade to seeing the new patrol boats delivered to the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron.

Commander Charlie Barrow drew on two decades’ experience – especially his widespread knowledge of patrol ships – to help bring back a permanent Royal Navy presence to the Indo-Pacific region after a hiatus of a quarter of a century.

For the past two years the Batch 2 River Class patrol ships have been at the forefront of the Royal Navy’s programme to deploy warships in areas of key strategic interest to the UK – South Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean/West Africa and the vast Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

From before the ships left build the 44-year-old, from Worthing in West Sussex, has been instrumental in ensuring the programme has been a success, in particular laying the groundwork for HMS Tamar and Spey’s joint mission to the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

The ‘forward deployed’ programme is now regarded as the benchmark for Royal Navy operations around the globe.

Commander Barrow’s efforts earn him the OBE.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to see the evolution of our patrol ships,” said the Portsmouth-based officer.

“I visited HMS Tamar when she was still in build and the idea of a new, persistent global presence was still being developed.

“The immense effort made by the ship’s companies and our partners in DE&S and BAE Systems to prepare the vessels for years on the far side of the world – at a time when Covid was making everything more challenging – was a wonder to behold. I will always remember being a part of it.

“I am honoured to be recognised for my part in this incredible journey but reflect that without the hard work and commitment of many people ­– in and out of uniform – none of this might have happened.”

Lieutenant Commander Amy Glover has been made an MBE for her efforts to fit new engines to HMS Dauntless. As the marine engineering officer of the Type 45 destroyer, she was instrumental in ensuring the success of the ship’s Power Improvement Programme.

The major overhaul saw the installation of three new efficient engines – replacing two original diesel units – to ensure the 8,500-tonne destroyer has a more reliable, robust source of power.

Lt Cdr Glover is now deployed with the ship to the Caribbean where Dauntless will support British Overseas Territories during hurricane season and counter drugs trafficking in the region.

“When I was initially told, I was completely speechless,” she said.

“Now I’ve had time to reflect, I’m so very proud. For me, it represents years of hard work and sacrifice of many amazing people who I’ve had the privilege to serve with both at sea and ashore in support of these incredible ships.”

She added: “My family and friends will be over the moon. They have always been so proud of me and my career in the Royal Navy.

“I could not have done it without them and their unwavering support, patience and understanding.”