by Democrat reporter
The Royal Navy’s submarine community gathered in force at the annual Submariner Awards Ceremony, affectionately known as the “Submarine Oscars”, held at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow.
The black-tie event welcomed more than 350 guests, including serving submariners, family members, civil partners, veterans, charities, industrial partners, and supporters from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and wider submarine community.
Dressed in their finest attire, attendees came together to celebrate the exceptional achievements, dedication, and commitment of those who have gone above and beyond in support of the Submarine Service.
This year’s ceremony was hosted by Magic Radio DJ Nick Snaith, who acted as Master of Ceremonies throughout the evening. Awards were presented by Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and Commander Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins CBE. The prestigious Molyneux Award was presented by Mrs Jill Molyneux.
As well as celebrating the achievements of the current generation of submariners and those who support them, the event also gave those attending an opportunity to join the celebrations marking 125 years since the silent service was formed.
Since the launch of Holland 1 in 1901, the Royal Navy Submarine Service has provided an invaluable defence capability, helping to protect our country through two World Wars, the Cold War, and other conflicts.
A total of twelve awards were presented during the evening, recognising outstanding achievement across operational excellence, engineering, training, family support, welfare, and community engagement.
Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and Commander Submarine Flotilla, said: “The Submarine Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the efforts of all of the extraordinary people, both in uniform and without who make the submarine service so formidable.
“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners and my sincere thanks to our industrial and charitable partners without whom this celebration would not be possible.
The following awards were presented during this year’s Submarine Oscars:
The Conqueror Prize
Sponsored by Thales
Awarded for Operational Excellence within the underwater battlespace.
Winner: HMS ANSON
The Submarine Engineering Excellence Award
Awarded to the crew or organisation demonstrating engineering excellence in support of submarine operations.
Winner: HMS VANGUARD’S SCPO UNION
The Royal Navy Family and People Support (RNFPS) Award
Awarded to the individual or organisation providing the highest level of support to the submarine community.
Winner: Mrs Megan Thompson
The Dean Rogers MBE Submarine Family Award
Sponsored by RNRMC and The Submarine Family
Awarded to the volunteer or team providing significant benefit to the wellbeing of submariners and their families.
Winner: Tazmin Kirk
The Submariners Association Award
Awarded to the SSBN-streamed trainee who has displayed the qualities and ethos of the submarine cadre and stood above their peers during initial training.
Winner: Lt A I G Hayes RN
The Naval Families Federation Award
Awarded to advocates who have successfully championed positive change and improvements on behalf of Naval families.
Winner: Fiona Howard
The WRS Award
Sponsored by We Remember Submariners (WRS)
Awarded to a serving submariner, veteran, or family and community member whose dedication and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the wellbeing of the Submarine Service and its people.
Winner: Laura Eales
The Molyneux Award
Sponsored by FAST Training Services Limited
Awarded to the SSN-streamed trainee who has displayed the qualities and ethos of the submarine cadre and stood above their peers during initial training.
Winner: AB(WS)TSM Van Staden
The Distinguished Achievement Award
Awarded to those who have achieved distinction within their chosen discipline while enhancing the reputation of the Submarine Service.
Winner: SMERAS Training Facility and Staff
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Mark Jones plays a key role in organising the event and has enjoyed being involved for many years.
“It’s amazing to organise an event of this scale bringing the Submarine Service, their families, Industrial Partners and Affiliates together for a night of enjoyment whilst also strengthening bonds,” said Mark
“The evening aims to celebrate the achievements of the Submarine Service and show our gratitude and give recognition to those who have worked extra hard throughout this extremely challenging year.”
The evening was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including ACTS, TKMS, Veolia, Rolls-Royce, RB Safety, Babcock, Thales, QinetiQ, GE Vernova, Lockheed Martin, WRS, ESS and Malin Group.
Guests were entertained by popular Glasgow band Wireless, while a piper welcomed attendees on arrival. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a professional photography backdrop and commemorative Submarine Awards photo frames, as well as a themed photobooth complete with props.
There was also some fundraising throughout the evening. Two raffles and an auction were held in support of Military vs Cancer and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). The fundraising activities raised more than £8,000, with the top raffle prize being a £4,000 Hays Travel voucher.
The annual awards continue to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary professionalism, resilience and community spirit that underpin the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service, recognising the individuals, teams, and organisations whose efforts make a lasting difference both at sea and ashore.