The Royal Naval Reserve engineering branch has been awarded for its contribution to operations around the UK and abroad.
Reservist engineers have been awarded the coveted Richards Trophy in recognition of their achievements and support within the Royal Navy.
This year, they have supported ships all around the world including Type 23 frigates, Offshore Patrol Vessels and submarines, as well as providing in-depth expertise to the Royal Navy’s operational sea training organisation, the Maritime Capability Trials and Assessment agency, and Defence Equipment and Support.
Commander Sarah Royston, head of the branch, received the award from Commodore Mel Robinson, Commander of the Maritime Reserves, at HMS Calliope in Newcastle.
“I am absolutely delighted that our Reservist engineers have been recognised for their contribution to operational engineering support," Cdr Royston said.
"The skills and experience they offer, both from their experience in the Royal Navy and their civilian careers, is unique and highly valuable. They are a real asset to Defence.”
The Richards Trophy is awarded to the team that has achieved the highest standards of operational effectiveness throughout the year, exploiting opportunity, delivering maximum output, and making the greatest contribution to the Royal Navy and Defence.
The award is made by Commodore Robinson in consultation with others from relevant parts of the Royal Navy, considering each nomination against the qualifying criteria.
Cdre Robinson said: “It is a real pleasure to present the Royal Naval Reserve Engineering Branch with the Richards Trophy, marking a year of unwavering operational support provided by our part-time highly-trained engineers to the Royal Navy.
"In October, two Reservist engineers deployed to the Falkland Islands to provide pre-planned maintenance support to HMS Forth and this month, a Reservist ex-Regular engineer is serving full-time as the Marine Engineering Officer in Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan.
"These are just two examples of Reservist engineers demonstrating the value and utility of the Reserve Engineering Branch. For them, and their colleagues, I very much hope the award of this trophy will be a tangible reminder that their contribution has been noticed and recognised.”
Captain Camilla Meek, the Royal Navy’s senior operational engineer, was part of the judging panel.
She added: "Fully integrated, globally deployable and highly experienced, the engineers of the Royal Naval Reserve Engineering Branch have made their mark across the fleet, improving availability, sustainability and capability in all platforms, at home and overseas, and are fully deserving of this honour.”
