SUBMARINER SUPERSTARS RECOGNISED AT ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT

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By Kim Hardie

THE SUPERSTARS of the Submarine Service celebrated their annual awards night recently when the Submarine Oscars returned to Glasgow.

The glitzy, black tie, event was held at the Hilton on September 15th.  Submariners, their loved-ones, and those who have gone the extra mile to support the Silent Service, were recognised for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment.

In a personal video from the professional head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, those gathered were thanked for their tireless dedication and vital role in maintaining the Royal Navy’s strategic edge from beneath the waves.

Some thirteen different awards were presented during the night, each of them highlighting the unique and outstanding efforts of the submarine community.

The attendees at the Hollywood-themed event were given the move-star treatment, with some fine dining, a thoughtfully curated gift bag, and musical entertainment from the band ‘Ready to Go’. 

“Attending this year’s annual Submarine Awards ceremony has been an extraordinary experience,” said Commodore Paul Dunn, Commodore of the Submarine Service.

“The dedication, bravery, and exceptional performance of our submarine crews, families, and wider submarine enterprise is nothing short of inspiring.  The energy and enthusiasm in the room was palpable and the recognition of such outstanding achievements reinforces the incredible spirit that defines our Submarine Service.

“This event highlights the excellence and commitment that drive our mission forward and I am immensely proud of everyone involved.”

The following awards were presented during the Submarine Oscars:

  • The Orpheus Award went to the Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment, and Survival training facility (SMERAS).  Sponsored by RB Safety Consultants, the Orpheus Award is given to the team who have made a significant contribution to submarine safety.
  • The Naval Families Federation Award was presented to Coxswain Andrew Bullingham.  This award is given to the Naval Families Federation advocate who helps enable naval families. 
  • The Royal Navy Family & People Support Award.  Shelley Gilmour received this award for those who have provided the highest level of support to the submarine community.
  • The Dean Rodgers MBE Submarine Family Award was presented to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Dave O’Neill.  Sponsored by the Submarine Family, this goes to the individual who has made a significant impact to the wellbeing of submariner families. 
  • The Molyneux Award was presented to AB Amy Stephens.  Sponsored by FAST Training Services LTD, this award goes to the SSN streamed trainee who has displayed the qualities and ethos of the submarine cadre and stood above their peers during initial training. 
  • The Submariners Association Award went to Chef Jack Whitehead.  This award, sponsored by the Submariners Association, is given to the SSBN streamed trainee who has displayed the qualities and ethos of the submarine cadre and stood above their peers during initial training.
  • The Valiant Trophy was awarded to HMS Vanguard (Gold).  This Rolls-Royce sponsored trophy is in recognition of the submarine crew which excelled under the demands of Operational Sea Training.
  • The Conqueror Trophy went to HMS Astute.  Sponsored by Thales, this was given for Operational Excellence within the underwater battlespace.
  • The Submarine Engineering Excellence Award was given to HMS Triumph.  This award is presented to the crew which demonstrated engineering excellence in support of operations.
  • The Sovereign Bowl went to HMS Vanguard (Gold) crew.  This is awarded to the Marine Engineering department demonstrating excellence throughout Manoeuvring Room Training. 
  • The Distinguished Achievement Award went to Engineering Technician (WESM) Daniel Sillery for representing the Submarine Service admirably as a RN Esports team member during a high-profile event hosted in Washington DC.
  • The Armourers and Brasiers Submarine Prize went to Commander Bob Church.  Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, this goes to the individual deemed to have made the greatest contribution to the sustainability of the Submarine Flotilla.
  • The Thomas Tunnock Award was presented to Warrant Officer 1 Neil Aitken.  Sponsored by Sir Boyd Tunnock CBE, the grandson of Thomas Tunnock and owner of Tunnock’s confectionary, this award is given to those who provided the greatest influence on morale on board thereby generating the required component of Operational Capability. 

Picture Captions:

  1. Winners from this year’s Submarine Awards with Commodore Paul Dunn (centre), Commodore of the Submarine Service.
  2. WO1 Neil Aitken (right) receives a selection of goodies from Commodore Dunn, part of the Sir Thomas Tunnock Award.
  3. One of the Submarine Awards.
  4. Commander Bob Church after receiving the Armourers and Brasiers Submarine prize.
  5. Commander Dunn presents Shelley Gilmour with the Royal Navy Family & People Support Award for providing the highest level of support to the submarine community.

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