Alan racks up 50 years looking after frigates, destroyers, aircraft carriers and more in Portsmouth with BAE SystemsÂ

AN ELECTRICAL technician who has racked up 50 years' service with BAE Systems has been commended for his '˜outstanding positive attitude, dedication and professionalism'.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Nov 2018, 12:39 BST
Updated 15th Nov 2018, 13:41 BST
Alan Roblin, who has worked for BAE for 50 years in PortsmouthAlan Roblin, who has worked for BAE for 50 years in Portsmouth
Alan Roblin, who has worked for BAE for 50 years in Portsmouth

Alan Roblin first set foot in Portsmouth Naval Base in 1968 and has been handed a long service award, following a career that has seen him work at around 70 UK defence establishments on behalf of the company.

Alan, 67, started out at what was then Portsmouth Dockyard as an electrical apprentice, learning the skills he'd need to work on generations of submarines and ships, including the Royal Yacht Britannia.

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He was given his award at an annual ceremony organised by BAE Systems to honour those who have passed service milestones of 10 years or more.

Alan Roblin, at the front, with apprentices in 1970 Picture: Alan RoblinAlan Roblin, at the front, with apprentices in 1970 Picture: Alan Roblin
Alan Roblin, at the front, with apprentices in 1970 Picture: Alan Roblin

Alan, from Clanfield, attended the event with his wife Janice and said: '˜It was a fantastic evening '“  it was all a bit of a shock really.

'˜I think the best thing about working in the naval base is the variety of work. There's always something different, always a different challenge and always something new.

'˜Technology is great, and these days we're working with some really sophisticated equipment. It's moved on incredibly in the time I've been in the dockyard.'

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During his time at the naval base Alan, who is now semi-retired, has worked on the gamut of destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers that make up the Royal Navy's fleet.

The dockyard in the 1960s Picture: Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical TrustThe dockyard in the 1960s Picture: Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust
The dockyard in the 1960s Picture: Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust

He is one of the thousands of people at Portsmouth Naval Base whose work helps ensure the fleet is ready whenever and wherever it is needed.

Adding to Alan's commendation, the Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jim Higham, RN, said: '˜The Royal Navy recognises the hard work of our industrial workforce, which we rely upon to get our ships to sea and on deployment, and for Alan to have gained 50 years' service is an extraordinary achievement that should rightly be celebrated.'

Jon Pearson, Warship Support Director at BAE Systems, added: '˜I want to thank Alan for his long service, during which I am sure he has seen lots of change.  

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'˜The things that I am confident have stayed constant through his long career are his outstanding positive attitude, dedication and professionalism.  

'˜He is a credit to himself, his family, BAE Systems and the naval base.'

Related topics:BAE SystemsPortsmouth