RFA Argus Chief Steward gets RFA Steward of the Year Award

The Chief Steward of Falmouth based Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus has won the prestigious RFA Steward of the Year award.

Chief Petty Officer Steward Richard Cook received his award, a fine cut engraved goblet from the Commanding Officer of RFA Argus Captain Karl Woodfield, during a small ceremony on the Ship’s bridge.

Richard was congratulated by his colleagues and the Capt, who reflected on his achievements that has seen him complete ‘back-to-back’ operational tours. Firstly, on RFA Argus during Operation Gritrock off the coast of West Africa and onboard RFA Fort Victoria during operations in the Gulf region.

During this time he met the challenges head on with a determined resolve and sheer hard work whilst still retaining a great pride in Argus and making a strong personal contribution to the missions.

Richard was also complemented on his, “consistently to lead his team by example and demanded exacting standards, which have always been met with approval by his Line Manager and subsequently achieving the command aims.

"His level of performance has been sustained over a prolonged period with little or no ‘down time’ with which to refresh his team. His dedication and eye for detail has been highly apparent throughout two demanding and challenging appointments.

"The efforts of his team were duly recognised and bore testament to the high standards aspired to in this respect. This has been and outstanding performance of which he should be duly proud,” read the citation.

Captain Woodfield said, “CPO Steward Richard Cook fully meets the criteria of excellence recognised by the Worshipful Company of Cooks.

"The evidence of his exceptional achievements, consistent high level of performance throughout 2015 stood him out to become RFA Steward of the Year and collect this award. Congratulations Richard!”