Royal Navy commander receives Gold Valedictory Certificate as he retires after 58 years in service

Lieutenant Commander Al Cronin MBE from HMS Excellent is taking his next steps into retirement, and received a Gold Valedictory Certificate from the First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin in the process.

The 74-year-old’s achievements include leading a team of 50 tri-service interrogator linguists during the Gulf War, commanding the Royal Navy Survival School, gaining a Green Beret, representing the Fleet Air Arm in the Inter-Command Field Gun competition and his country in karate, athletics and bobsleigh.

He started out as a junior electrical mechanic training at HMS St Vincent and HMS Daedalus, before HMS Ark Royal took him on his first overseas deployment in 1965 with the Sea Vixens of 899 Squadron.

Al said: ‘There is nothing in my career I have regretted, and I would do it all again. I count myself fortunate to have served in the finest Navy in the world and to have made many lasting friendships across the years.

Being in the navy before 1970 meant Al was entitled the daily rum ration, but he was not sad to see it abolished as midday alcohol and working on complex jet electronics and safety systems were not compatible in Al’s mind.

He said: ‘Honestly, the best thing that could have happened was getting rid of that tot, I never drank mine.’

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The Guinness Book of World Records recognised Al for being the Most Versatile Sportsman, representing the national teams in 110-metre hurdles, bobsleigh and karate.

As captain of Great Britain’s karate team, he beat the visiting Japanese team and the 1976 film The Empty Hand was made about this.

This was thanks to the involvement of Wings drummer Geoff Britton in the squad, as Paul McCartney commissioned the film so he could see the contest.

Now that retirement has finally come for Al, there will be time to spend with his five grandchildren who are all under the age of 12.

As you would expect from a triple international sportsman, there will be no break from his training regime after he returns his kit.

Al plans to still be doing 100 to 150 press-ups a day, more than 500 sit-ups, along with weights and cardio work.

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