Prime Minister of Tonga Visits Royal Naval Reservist Unit HMS President

On Tuesday 21 Feb The Lord Tuiakano, Prime Minister of Tonga, visited the London based Royal Naval Reservist Unit HMS President to present Volunteer Reserves Service Medals (VRSM) and clasps to naval reservists.

There were 4 VRSM Medal or Clasp recipients ranging in rank from Able Rate to Lieutenant Commander they were:

• Lieutenant Commander David Cooper (51) received the VRSM; David joined the RNR in 1986 and his ‘day job’ is a defence consultant for BAE Systems.
• Lieutenant Commander Richmal Sims (44) received the 2^nd clasp to her VRSM; Richmal joined the RNR in 1992 and her ‘day job’ is as a business consultant for Appleyards Ltd.
• Chief Petty Officer Ian Chowns (44) received the 3^rd clasp to VRSM; Ian joined the RNR in 1986 and is an IT security specialist for BT.
• Leading Seaman Chris Jones (46) received the VRSM; Chris joined the RNR in 2002 and is a civil servant.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by Members of his Parliament and MoD staff, travelled from Westminster Pier to HMS President on the Maritime Volunteer Ship (MVS) Londinium giving the party the chance to see London from the river.

Commodore Naval Reserves Commodore John Keegan said:

“All the recipients of the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal or clasp have showed great dedication for a number of years to the Maritime Reserves, it was a great honour that the Prime Minister of Tonga has spared the time to visit the Unit and present these awards.”

The Commanding Officer of HMS President, Commander Eugene Morgan RD RNR, said:

“We are delighted that the Prime Minister of Tonga has graciously agreed to present medals to these Reservists.”

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Naval Today Staff , February 24, 2012; Image: royalnavy