The success of students trained at the Defence Maritime Logistics School (DMLS), over the last twelve months, has been celebrated at the school’s annual award ceremony.
Awards were presented to a range of students from Officers attending their Initial Logistics Officer training course to new recruits learning their trade as Writers, Chefs, Stewards and Supply Chain ratings.
There were also awards for members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Royal Naval Reserve and the Sea Cadet Corps, as well as prizes recognising the commitment and dedication of the instructors.
Among the winners were Chef Lee Sellwood from HMS Queen Elizabeth. He was presented with the Robin Hodsdon Apprenticeship prize.
The prize is awarded to the student who demonstrated the most development to achieve an apprenticeship.
Having joined the Royal Navy without any prior experience in the field of catering Lee showed great resilience and drive from the start. With his upbeat attitude, he rose to the challenges of his professional training.
Lee, from Plymouth, said: “When I found I had won the award, I was speechless. Before I joined the Royal Navy, I didn’t have any aspirations.
“However now almost two years in, I enjoy group physical sports, as well as taking part in preparing fine dining menus on board when I get the opportunity.”
Leading Hand Kelroy James was presented with the Chief Naval Logistics Officer Award. The prize is awarded to a member of the Logistics branch who has made a significant contribution to delivering or promoting high quality training and coaching in the Fleet.
The 42-year-old currently serves as the Assistant Fleet Stores Logistics Co-Ordinator and is responsible for maintaining 24/7 365 global supply chain operational capability for all ships and submarines.
Kelroy said: “I believe that you learn the best by teaching others. The Royal Navy depends on different branches working together as a team, and the logistics branch support and maintains all other functions.
“Thus, helping others understand logistics processes and procedures not only makes the teams operate more effectively, it also makes my job more rewarding.”
A total of 36 individuals were recognised at this year’s award ceremony. Commander Suzi Neilson, the Commandant of the DMLS, said: “The awards today not only reflect the achievements of the DMLS students and our staff, but there are others that are contested for across the entire Branch.
“These individuals have continued to go from strength to strength after leaving the DMLS and are clearly excelling in their professional careers.”
Although based at HMS Raleigh, the DMLS is part of the wider Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration, and provides training to all Officers and Ratings of the Logistics specialisation including catering services, supply chain and personnel administration. In addition to providing training to the Royal Navy, the DMLS trains members of the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and the Sea Cadet Corps.
