Portsmouth star sailors praised at Royal Navy awards

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt presented 29 awards to personnel who have gone the extra mile for their ship or unit during the past year.

The ceremony was held on board HMS Victory and was followed by a dinner at HMS Nelson.

Two recipients of this year’s awards are based on the 65,000-tonne giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently in build at Rosyth.

Chief Petty Officer Graeme Duncan was recognised for his efforts in working with industry to ensure that the ship’s fresh water system, galley and laundry were ready for the ship’s company to move on board.

Medical Assistant Louise Whalley was rewarded for her key role in introducing and managing the ship’s first aid and medical training plans and for tailoring effective bespoke training for different departments.

Commodore Peter Sparkes, commander Portsmouth Flotilla, said: ‘In a challenging year when the Portsmouth Flotilla has scarcely been busier, it is really important that we recognise some of the extraordinary individual efforts of our sailors, which contribute so powerfully to our collective successes.’

VIPs included Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock.