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Ian ‘Cab’ Townsend CBE, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of No 22. Group RAF, paid a special visit to the Gosport base last week. He presided over the Ceremonial Divisions among other esteemed guests.
Escorted by Captain Mark Hamilton, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, the AVM inspected members of the Guard of Honour, who were on parade alongside Royal Naval personnel.
This included trainees Passing Out of their training at the naval base. They will be heading to to join their first ships and Sultan Volunteer Corp Cadets. AVM Townsend said: “The quality of training provided by HMS Sultan and Number 22 Group is essential to the future success of our fantastic Royal Navy. My congratulations to all those graduating.”
AVM Townsend conducted presentations and handed out awards to other officials. This included LET(ME) Coull being presented with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and WO2 Kinnaird being awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp.
Rear Admiral Steven McCarthy also made his first visit to HMS Sultan since he was appointed the Director Ship Operations and Chief Naval Engineer Officer. The mayor of Gosport, Cllr Martin Pepper, was in attendance.
9. AIR VICE-MARSHAL TOWNSEND GUEST OF HONOUR AT CEREMONIAL DIVISIONSAir Vice-Marshal (AVM) Ian ‘Cab’ Townsend CBE Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of No 22. Group RAF paid a special visit to HMS Sultan, the home of Royal Navy Air and Marine engineering as the Guest of Honour at the Establishment’s Ceremonial Divisions.Escorted by Captain Mark Hamilton, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan throughout, the AVM inspected members of the Guard of Honour, who were on parade alongside Royal Naval personnel, including trainees Passing Out of their training at Sultan who are about to join their first ships and Sultan Volunteer Corp Cadets.In addition, the AVM presented several awards.In addressing all those on parade the AVM said:“The quality of training provided by HMS Sultan and Number 22 Group is essential to the future success of our fantastic Royal Navy. My Congratulations to all those graduating today.”Presentation of awardsThe following presentations were made by Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Townsend:Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –- Presented to LET(ME) CoullLong Service and Good Conduct Clasp - Presented to WO2 KinnairdCeremonial Divisions gave us the opportunity to build on our connections across defence and the local community with Rear Admiral Steven McCarthy RN making his first visit to Sultan since his appointment as Director Ship Operations and Chief Naval Engineer Officer, and the Mayor of Gosport, Cllr Martin Pepper both invited to inspect members of our Ship’s Company
Ceremonial Divisions at HMS Sultan. Photo: PO Photographer Pepe Hogan and Leading Photographer Dan Bladen
10. Air-Vice Marshal parade at HMS Sultan
The march past at Ceremonial Divisions at HMS Sultan. Photo: PO Photographer Pepe Hogan and Leading Photographer Dan Bladen