Rear Admiral Duncan Potts, Commander United Kingdom Maritime Force, presented WO1 AWT Nick Payne MBE, Executive Warrant Officer (EWO) in HMS Montrose with the clasp to his Long Service and Good Conduct medal – marking 30 years of unblemished, dedicated service.
Seaman Radar Nicholas John Payne joined the Royal Navy in September 1982 at the age of 19.
He spent the whole of his early career in Type 42’s joining HMS Cardiff after initial training in 1983, then serving in HMS Gloucester, HMS Southampton and finally as the Radar Chief in HMS Liverpool.
After a spell instructing at HMS Dryad, he returned to sea in HMS Illustrious, before being selected to serve at FOST as WO(AWT).
He spent 3 ½ years at MCM2 working in both Portsmouth and the Gulf, providing vital support to the MCM Cdr and receiving an MBE for his efforts in implementing the Aintree roulement.
Mr Payne joined HMS Montrose 15 months ago and has been a huge asset for the Ship during a very busy operational schedule, a highlight being a trip to the Falkland Islands, which, coincidentally, is where his son (Ben) has just arrived having been drafted to HMS Protector in the South Atlantic.
Rear Admiral Potts said:
“it is a great privilege for me to present you with the clasp to your Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.
“On behalf of the Royal Navy and the nation I thank you for your 30 years of dedicated service.”
HMS Montrose Commanding Officer, Commander James Parkin said:
“30 years of dedicated and professional service to the country and RN is a significant milestone that few in the Service manage.
“Mr Payne is already a superb role model for sailors in Montrose, I hope this award will encourage and inspire them aspire to his achievement.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 16, 2013; Image: Royal Navy