NAVAL BASE COMMANDER CLYDE IS HONOURED BY THE KING
Naval Base Commander Clyde (NBC) was included on this year’s New Year’s Honours List where she was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Her new title will be, Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC.
Commodore (Cdre) Malkin has been given this award to recognise her personal contributions and leadership during her career in the Royal Navy. In addition to her award, she was also delighted to receive a letter of congratulations from HRH The Princess of Wales.
- Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC
On finding out she had received the honour, Cdre Malkin said “I was extremely surprised and deeply honoured. It was a very emotional moment, and my thoughts immediately turned to my husband, Stephen, and the many colleagues, mentors and teams who have supported me throughout my career.”
Despite offering to step aside and let one of her parents accompany her to Buckingham Palace, Cdre Malkin’s husband Stephen will be sharing the day with her. Stephen has been an incredible source of support over the years, especially in her appointment as Naval Base Commander Clyde.
Whilst finding the role of Naval Base Commander Clyde both demanding and rewarding, she has managed to set a clear long-term vision in motion for the future of the naval base and its people; building a solid foundation of systems, funding, and programmes to ensure a safe, resilient and sustainable naval base capability out beyond 2070.
After an incredible 32 years of service in the Royal Navy, Cdre Malkin will officially retire on a high this year. She said, “It has been a tough role, but one I’ve been immensely proud to undertake. After nearly four years, it feels like the right time to draw a line under this chapter of my life. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished during this time, and I’m looking forward to moving on to something new – and taking a little time for myself along the way.”
Coming from a strong leading aviation background, a particular personal achievement Cdre Malkin is most proud of is how quickly she was able to adapt to leading within a nuclear environment. It allowed for a cross-pollinate best practice from different parts of defence that brought together a variety of diverse teams to develop a One Clyde Safety Management System and a clear strategic vision for HM Naval Base Clyde which became the Clyde Transformation Programme.
When asked about the importance of women being recognised for their work in the Royal Navy, Cdre Malkin said, “It’s hugely important. The Royal Navy is a great place to work – it doesn’t discriminate, it promotes talent, and it offers truly unique opportunities all around the world in direct support of protecting our nation.”
She added: “Recognising women’s achievements matters because it helps to showcase what’s possible and highlights the range of careers open to everyone. Visible female role models, particularly in engineering and other operational roles, are vital in encouraging others to consider the Royal Navy and to see that they can thrive and succeed here.”
The Commodore’s main responsibility is for the command and administration of HMNB Clyde which primary purpose is to provide engineering and logistical support to the Royal Navy in maintaining the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).
The highlight of the year will be when the Commodore visits Buckingham Palace where she’ll receive her award from His Majesty the King.
Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC
Having read Engineering at Cambridge, Cdre Malkin joined the Royal Navy in 1994 and served in HMS Brazen and HMS Sheffield whilst undergoing Initial Officer Training.
As an Air Engineer, she served in 800, 820, and 899 Naval Air Squadrons and in HMS’ Invincible, Illustrious, and Ocean, as well as RFA Fort GEORGE (WITH Sea Harrier and Merlin Helicopters). She managed operational support teams, gaining a CINCFLEET Commendation for her efforts as the Senior Air Engineer (Merline), and undertaken roles in the development/career management of naval technicians, the integration of engineering policy across Defence and the re-structuring of people systems to meet future technological needs.
She has led the technical integration of the F-35B into both the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier and RAF Marham and commanded the military and civilian team of 200+ engineers and scientists on 1710 NAS. As Royal Navy’s Innovation lead, she set up the DARE team to energise and accelerate innovation and exploit Science and Technology, before being selected as the RN’s Chief Air Engineer and senior airworthiness advisor to the Operating Duty Holder, advising and supporting on all air engineering aspects of aviation capability Delivery and Generation.
In 2019, she returned to DE&S and Lightening Delivery team to hold delegated authority as the F-35B Chief Engineer and Type Airworthiness Authority and lead certification of the Air System, achieving maritime capability declaration in December 2020.
Promoted to Commodore in June 2021, she joined the DIO as Head of Customer Support Team, where she acted as the Intelligent Customer for Requirements between TLBs (Navy, Army, RAF, UKSC, DNO, etc). She was appointed Naval Base Commander Clyde in 2022.
She has lived in Cornwall for 18 years with her husband Stephen and her dog, Merlin. They enjoy hill walking, swimming, and cricket.