By David Jones
Members of the Royal Navy Submarine Service celebrated in style on Saturday, 4th October when their annual awards night – dubbed The Submarine Oscars – returned to Scotland.
The dazzling event showcased those that have gone the extra mile to support the Submarine Service. Hosted at the Glasgow Hilton, their achievements and commitment were recognised by veterans, serving personnel, and their family members.
This year’s host and “Master of Ceremonies” was Antony Cotton MBE. In addition to being an actor on Britian’s most iconic and longest running soap – Coronation Street – Antony is an Ambassador for the Armed Forces charity, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and is a Patron of the Help for Heroes charity organisation.
In total, twelve awards were presented to those who had shown outstanding efforts in the submarine community. Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines, Commander Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins CBE was in attendance and presented recipients with their well-deserved awards.
Commodore Haskins said: “It was an enormous privilege to host the annual Submarine Awards. Tonight was about highlighting the outstanding achievement of submariners and the Submarine Service on operations, during training and in the conduct of their duties.
“Critically it also enabled us to recognise the phenomenal support offered to us by our families. By joining together with our remarkable charitable and industry partners for this event we were able to showcase the Silent Service which is so much greater than the sum of its parts; a truly nationwide enterprise driving to support those who come unseen,” he continued.
Over four hundred people attended the event at the Hilton, where they were treated to fine dining, live music, and a thoughtful submarine-themed giftbag, all of which were coordinated and crafted by Chief Petty Officer, Mark Jones who works for Fleet Operational Standards and Training, Submarines (FOST SM).
Throughout the night, raffles and auctions kept people in high spirits with all proceeds donated to the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
The following awards were presented at the Hoolie in the Hilton during this year’s Submarine Oscars:
- The Orpheus Award was won by Lieutenant Commander San RNR.
- The Naval Families Federation Award was won by Chief Petty Officer Thompson.
- The Royal Navy Family & People Support Award was won by Warrant Officer 1 Harris RN.
- The Dean Rodgers MBE Submarine Family Award was won by Chief Petty Officer Foran.
- The Molyneux Award was won by Able Seaman Cuthbert.
- The Submariners Association Award was won by Medical Assistant Morgan-Aston.
- The Valiant Trophy was won by the crew of HMS Vanguard. Commander Smith received the award on behalf of the Ship’s Company.
- The Conqueror Trophy was won by the crew of HMS Astute. Commander Church MBE received the award on behalf of the crew.
- The Submarine Engineering Excellence Award was won by the crew of HMS Victorious. Lieutenant Commander Orr received the award on behalf of the Ship’s Company.
- The Distinguished Achievement Award was won by Lieutenant Commander Rawlinson.
- The Armourers and Brasiers Submarine Prize was won by Commander Gabb MBE.
- The Thomas Tunnock Award was won by Petty Officer Griffiths.
Sponsors of the event were ATLAS, Babcock, China Fleet Club, ESS, FAST TSL, James Fisher Defence, Lockheed Martin UK, QINETIQ, RB Safety, Rolls Royce, The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, The Submarine Family, Thales, Veolia, and We Remember Submariners.