Awards for HMS King Alfred’s finest Naval Reservists

Naval reservists from Hampshire have been singled out for annual awards to mark their exceptional contribution to the Royal Naval Reserve throughout 2015.

Flag Officer Reserves, Rear Admiral Simon Williams presented HMS King Alfred’s Reservist of the Year, The Sussex Award to AB1 Frances Birkett, from Portchester.

Frances, who is working towards passing her Admiralty Interview Board to achieve her ambition to become a Maritime Trade Operations Officer, said: “I just love being a Reservist and having all the work I put into my career recognised is such a bonus.”

Leading Naval Nurse Helen Green, who works as a Staff Nurse in Basingstoke in her civilian career, was presented with HMS King Alfred’s Wessex award for Best Reservist under initial training. 

Helen was awarded the Captain’s Prize for outstanding performance during her training at HMS Raleigh.

Rear Admiral Williams also presented medals to reservists who have completed long and loyal service in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Lt Cdr Fred Wales received a clasp to his Volunteer Reserves Service medal (VRSM) marking 15 years of service, while Lt Cdr Keith Whitehead received a further clasp to his VRSM medal. 

AB1 Michael Hodgson, who is currently taking a six-month break from his civilian job to work with HMS Tyne, a River Class Patrol vessel, was also presented with the 15-year VRSM clasp marking his long commitment.

King Alfred’s CO Cdr Anthony Stickland said: “I am always impressed by the commitment, determination and professionalism of all our reservists and this year’s performance has been admirable.”

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