Over 600 members of HMS Sultan’s Ship’s Company and trainees turned out for Ceremonial Divisions on Friday 29 June, to be inspected by world famous yachtswoman, Dee Caffari.
In her first official engagement as Honorary Commander Royal Naval Reserves, Dee Caffari MBE, having recently been appointed by HM The Queen to hold the honorary commission, was the guest of honour for HMS Sultan’s second Ceremonial Divisions of 2012.
The parade consisted of 28 platoons, including 3 passing out platoons. Also on parade was the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, which kept spirits high. Honorary Commander Caffari inspected the Guard, which comprised of Phase 2 Marine and Air Engineer trainees, commanded by Guard Officer, Lieutenant Sarah Wetherfield, and the passing out platoons. The Army platoon provided an additional colour to the Royal Navy parade, comprising of soldiers from the Royal Logistic Corp and Royal Engineers. The parade was also attended by members of HMS Sultan’s Volunteer Cadet Corps, who performed admirably.
A number of medals and awards were presented by the Commander and other award sponsors during Divisions. Hon Cdr Caffari presented Staff Sergeant Walker and Petty Officer Saltmarsh with their Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. She also presented Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Amihere with the Tony Tyrwhitt-Bettredge Trophy, awarded to the PTI having made the most contribution to the furtherance of sport, recreation and physical training. LPT Amihere also received a Herbett-Lott Award.
Mrs Rachel Parkin, wife of the late Lieutenant Commander Ian Parkin RN presented the Judson-Parkin Sword to the Outstanding Officer on the Systems Engineering and Management Course, ME 09/002 to Lieutenant Rachel Abbey RN.
Mr Malcolm Lewis presented the BAE Systems Sword to the Senior Upper Yardman Engineer Officer judged to have achieved the best overall results on the Systems Engineering and Management Course (Air Engineering), Lieutenant Mark Roddy RN.
Mr Mark Thistlethwaite presented the Augusta Westland Sword for the highest combined results for the Systems Engineering and Management Course (Air Engineering) and Air Engineer Officer Certificate of Competence to Lieutenant Thomas Wallis RN.
Mr Arnold Thompson presented the Fleet Air Arm Association Trophy to the Phase 3 Leading Air Engineering Technician (LAET) of the year to LAET Hawker.
Mr Bill Jones presented the Telegraphists Air Gunners Association trophy to the Phase 2 Air Engineering Technician of the year, AET Harris.
Commodore Mark Slawson awarded Commendations to Chief Petty Officer McCormack and Leading Air Engineering Technician Church.
On completion of the parade, Hon Cdr Caffari MBE RNR was whisked away to another engagement in support of Armed Forces Day 2012. She will be skippering one of the two yachts racing in support of the Tri-Service charity ‘Toe in the Water’, a sailing organisation providing inspiration and rehabilitation to injured servicemen and women. Round the World Record Breaking Yachtswoman Dee, will be racing in the 2012 JP Asset Management Round the Island Race, along with an all military crew, including a number of servicemen who were injured whilst on operations in Afghanistan.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , July 2, 2012; Image: Royal Navy