Royal Navy sailor from Southsea left 'red-faced' as proud dad attends her promotion

A RISING naval star from Southsea has told of her pride – and embarrassment – after her dad made a surprise visit at her promotion ceremony.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Able Seaman Henrietta Goodrum had just graduated from her Leading Rates’ leadership course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, when she was surprised by her father, 40-year naval veteran Commander Simon Goodrum.

Cdr Goodrum, who is in the final year of his military service, asked to attend the last day of his daughter’s course – a huge milestone in her career – to mark her achievement.

Read More
'Sick' yobs pin down terrified tabby and shave its fur in brutal attack in Ports...
Able Seaman Henrietta Goodrum had just graduated from her Leading Rates’ leadership course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, when she was surprised by her father, 40-year Commander Simon Goodrum. Photo: Royal NavyAble Seaman Henrietta Goodrum had just graduated from her Leading Rates’ leadership course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, when she was surprised by her father, 40-year Commander Simon Goodrum. Photo: Royal Navy
Able Seaman Henrietta Goodrum had just graduated from her Leading Rates’ leadership course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, when she was surprised by her father, 40-year Commander Simon Goodrum. Photo: Royal Navy
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Henrietta said: ‘I was very surprised to see my dad walk through the classroom door, I went bright red with embarrassment.

‘Even though it was very embarrassing, it was a lovely surprise to see my dad and was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him to present me with my certificate.’

Joining the navy in 2015, she cites the highlights of her career so far as taking part in the November ceremonies at the Cenotaph and the Royal Albert Hall.

She has also been a member of Portsmouth Naval Base’s field gun team, winning an award for ‘best newcomer’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Selected for promotion to Leading Hand earlier this year and having now completed the course, she is due to join the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe organisation, in Nato headquarters, in Belgium.

When asked about having the honour to present his daughter with her promotion certificate, Cdr Goodrum said: ‘It was a very proud moment for me especially as I am coming to the end of my career.

‘I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the students and the professionalism of the staff.

‘It was great to see that the quality of the navy leadership training has continued to develop and improve.’

Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1235981559924002

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as our new Puzzles section.

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/subscriptions

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.