Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel who have excelled and gone above and beyond the regular call of duty in the past 12 months have been recognised for their efforts.
The annual RFA Service Awards was held this week to celebrate the achievements of those who have served on global operations alongside and in support of the Royal Navy.
Thirteen awards were presented by head of the RFA Commodore David Eagles, ranging from trophies and commendations to Long Service Medals.
Chief Officer Steve McMenemy won the Commodore’s Commendation for his hard work and commitment during tanker RFA Tideforce’s Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST).
He displayed drive and determination beyond what would usually be required onboard and continued to maintain his sense of humour and perspective while outside his comfort zone.
On receiving his award, he said: “It is indeed an honour to have been awarded the Commodore’s Commendation and I am thankful to Tideforce’s Commanding Officer, Captain Clarke, and Commodore Eagles for their recognition of my efforts.
“Of course, my thanks also go out to the hard-working crew of Tideforce, whose efforts ultimately sealed the reward of an overall ‘Very Satisfactory’ assessment for FOST.”
Petty Officer Chef Grant Bishop received the RFA Leadership Trophy. Having successfully completed the RFA Leadership and Management course, the senior rate also attended the Coaching and Mentoring course.
Throughout both courses he consistently displayed passion, professionalism and dedication to attaining and further developing his leadership qualities.
Commodore Eagles used the event to highlight the work of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the Royal Navy’s support arm key to its global operations and which is frequently found on the front line itself – and give an overview of activities over the past year.
Currently, RFA Argus is supporting HMS Albion and the Littoral Response Group (North) in the Mediterranean while RFA Tiderace deployed alongside Royal Navy warships and worked alongside NATO allies in the Barents Sea and the High North.
Cdre Eagles said, “It is an absolute privilege to recognise and reward those who have excelled over the past 12 months and also to reflect on the careers and dedication and commitment of those who have given 20, 30 and indeed 40 years of service to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
“I am also delighted and humbled to mark the service of those who have retired from the RFA over the past year.”
