Awards hat trick for HMS Mersey

One of the Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron's ships has been awarded several prices for excellence across a number of different fields.

The Second Sea Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock and Lady Woodcock presented three awards to HMS Mersey while berthed at Portsmouth Naval Base.

A prestigious moment for the ship, the presentations were in recognition of the hard work and professionalism of the ship's company during 2017.

The Navigating Officer Lieutenant Greg Padden received the Desmond Wettern Media Prize from Lady Woodcock which recognised HMS Mersey as the best of the three Fishery Protection Vessels in terms of media coverage.

The Fleet Seamanship Prize was presented by 2SL to Able Seaman Ryan Flynn and Able Seaman Christopher Mackins for the warfare department's excellence over the past 12 months.

And the Fleet Engineering Excellence Award was also presented by 2SL to Chief Petty Officer Jason McKlemurry and Petty Officer Mike Laycock.

The award ceremony was followed by an address from 2SL to the ship's company.

HMS Mersey's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander George Storton said: "Today is a great day for HMS Mersey to receive these awards from the Second Sea Lord in fantastic recognition of the teamwork that is involved in keeping a warship at sea.

"HMS Mersey has had a very productive year that has been delivered through the hard work and dedication of the ship's company - the team are exceptionally proud of their achievements."