The rain and bitterly cold temperature did not deter HMS Sultan’s 600 staff and trainees who turned out for their termly Ceremonial Divisions. The VIP, Rear Admiral Hockley MA MSc CEng FI-MarEST FCMI, inspected the Guard, the Royal Marines Band and the passing out platoons.
The Admiral then presented medals and awards to Sultan personnel. The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded to recommended individuals after 15 years service without a break in Very Good Conduct.
Chief Petty Officer Simms (Engineering Technician Marine Engineering Submarines) was awarded the Medal, who, after joining the Royal Navy in September 1997, is currently employed as a Trafalgar and Astute instructor at HMS Sultan.
The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was also awarded to Chief Petty Officer Gibbs (Air Engineering Technician Survival Equipment). Having joined the Royal Navy in October 1996, CPO Gibbs is currently employed as a Survival Equipment instructor at HMS Sultan.
A keen indoor rower, and representing team GB, he is currently ranked 9th in the world in the 30 – 39 year old category.
Leading Engineering Technician Clarke also received the Medal. He joined the Royal Navy in November 1997. LET Clarke is currently on the Petty Officer Engineering Technicians Qualifying Course at HMS Sultan.
Air Engineering Technician Martin received the Air Officer Commanding Commendation, signed Air Vice Marshall PC Osborn, for his work on relocating two geographically separated tool stores into one issue centre at MoD Boscombe Down.
A task normally assigned to a Leading Hand, he rose to the challenge and completed the task with professionalism and unbridled sense of enthusiasm.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 25, 2013; Image: Royal Navy