The Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark, has been presented with the 2012 Royal Navy Capability Award and the Capital Ship Efficiency award.
The trophies were presented to the Commanding Officer, Captain Andrew Burns Royal Navy, by Rear Admiral Surface Ships, Rear Admiral Potts, at the Surface Ship Command Symposium on the 10 January 2013.
When asked what the awards meant to his Ship’s Company, Captain Burns said:
“The Ship’s Company have delivered an extraordinary range of activity on behalf of Defence during 2012.
“Bulwark has executed each task to an exceptionally high standard and I am delighted that this has been recognised through these awards.
“Every member of the Bulwark team should be justifiably proud of their achievements.”
During 2012, Bulwark has conducted the NATO Arctic exercise ‘Cold Response’, played a key role in the maritime element of the 2012 Olympics security plan and led the major UK Response Force Task Group Cougar 12 deployment to the Mediterranean.
The Plymouth based amphibious assault ship was presented with the Efficiency Pennant by Rear Admiral Johnstone CBE, Flag Officer Sea Training at a ceremony on board the ship. In doing so he reflected on the efforts of the ship in maintaining a high level of operational capability and the consistent and outstanding contribution to maritime operations.
Bulwark’s longest serving Junior Rating, Chef Michael Farnaby (27) from Plymouth, accepted the pennant on behalf of the Ship’s Company. When asked what the award meant to him, he said:
“The Ship has worked hard over the past year during a hugely varied programme.
“It’s great that our work has been recognised at such a high level of the Navy.”
Bulwark’s Commander Engineering, Cdr Nigel Wright, received the Standing Joint Commander (UK) commendation for his contribution to Op Olympics in planning the ship’s guardship duties off Weymouth and Portland.
HMS Bulwark moves into 2013 and a similarly high tempo programme, including operational sea training, Exercise Joint Warrior off Scotland and a subsequent overseas deployment.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 29, 2013; Image: Royal Navy