MW Annual Awards Dinner
30 Nov 2024 - Last Thursday’s Mine Warfare Annual Awards Dinner at the Gaiety Bar on Southsea Pier lived up to the standard set by its two predecessors. Many MCDOA members were present and there was a wide range of ranks from AB to Commodore.
This event, which crowned the day's Mine Warfare Conference nicely, was organised by WO2(MW) Andrew 'Ozzy' Osborne and run by Lt Christopher 'Chip' Miles RN as Master of Ceremonies. Musical accompaniment was provided by HMS COLLINGWOOD’s Volunteer Band.
Although a plentiful supply of wine was available on the tables, the evening was made even more convivial with drinks vouchers provided by the event’s sponsors, a combination of Thales (the overall sponsor), Seabyte and the Alford Group.
The Guest of Honour this year was Cdre Paul Pitcher, Commander Surface Flotilla. Diners enjoyed a delicious meal and excellent service throughout the evening. The room buzzed with conversation and good humour.
At the end of the meal, the Loyal Toast was proposed by PO(MW) Andy Graham. Diners were then addressed by Capt Simon Pressdee RN, Captain Patrol, Underwater Exploitation & Diving (Capt PUXD), who extolled the virtues of the Branch and recapped recent mine warfare activities and achievements.
The award ceremony started with the presentation of a shadow box to WO2(MW) David Foggin on his completion of 24 years of service in the Royal Navy. Master of Ceremonies Lt Christopher ‘Chip’ Miles’ passed the microphone to Cdr Dan Herridge, CO MTXG, who read a glowing citation, before the presentation was made by Capt Pressdee.
The next award was for the Mine Warfare Training Element (MWTE) ‘Top Student’, sponsored by the Mine Warfare Association (MWA) and MWTE. It was presented by WO2(MW) Samantha ‘Sam’ Dixon to AB(MW) Vivuga.
AB Vivuga was unable to attend the ceremony but was shown on a screen while serving in the Gulf.
The ‘Outstanding MW Junior Rate of the Year’, sponsored by the Alford Group, is awarded to the MW junior rate who has achieved excellence in the current year. This year, the award was presented by Col Jez Earnshaw (Rtd) of the Alford Group to WO2(MW) James Watson of MCM2 on behalf of LS(MW) Ashley ‘Ash’ Reeves who was absent on duty.
Ash is currently at sea in HMS CATTISTOCK but was notified of his award in a ceremony on board.
The ‘Outstanding WO(MW) & MW SR of the Year’, sponsored by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) of the Tower of London, is awarded to the WO or SR MW who has achieved excellence in the current year. Yeoman Warder Terry ‘Basher’ Briggs, a former WO1(MW), presented the award to CPO(MW) Dave Earner, lately First Lieutenant of HMS PUNCHER which has been involved in autonomous MCM trials with MTXG’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Trials Team (MASTT). MASTT has since been operationalised as MTXG’s Yankee Squadron Unit 2.
The ‘Outstanding MWO of the Year’, sponsored by AEUK, is awarded to the MWO who has achieved excellence in the current year. This year, the award went to Lt Matt Bowden. It was presented by Mr Matt Fitchett of SeeByte to Cdr Richard Hurman, Commander Second MCM Squadron, who received it on behalf of Matt, .
Matt Bowden is currently at sea in HMS CATTISTOCK but was notified of his award in a ceremony on board.
The ‘Resilience Recognition Award’, sponsored by CPO(MW) Anthony ‘Pinta’ Beer (Ret’d), is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional courage, tenacity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. This award recognises those who, despite encountering significant obstacles, have continued to push forward, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their goals. This year, the award was presented to AB(MW) Pompey by Lt Cdr Jacqueline ‘Jack’ McWilliams.
The ‘Outstanding Contributions to Operations Award’ is for an individual who has shown outstanding operational proficiency and has made significant contributions to enhancing international collaborative efforts and interoperability. This year the award was presented by WO2(MW) James Watson of the Second MCM Squadron to CPO(MW) Grant Mallion.
The ‘Outstanding MW Team of the Year’ trophy, sponsored by Thales, is awarded to the MW team/section that has achieved excellence in the current year. This year, the award was presented by Capt David Hunkin OBE RN, Capture Lead, Mine Warfare Systems at Thales Defence & Security, the event’s sponsor, to MTXG X-Ray Squadron Unit 3.
The citation for the SURFLOT ‘Award for Excellence’ was delivered by Cdr Richard Hurman, Commander Second MCM Squadron, to HMS CHIDDINGFOLD’s MCM2 Crew 2.
Cdre Paul Pitcher, Commander Surface Flotilla, then presented the award to Lt Cdr Chris Fox, CO of MCM2 Crew 2.
Finally, the ‘WO1 ‘Dixie’ Dean MBE’ Award, sponsored by the Mine Warfare Association, is bestowed upon an individual whose lifelong service and unwavering commitment to the MW Branch have been truly exemplary. This year, the award was presented by MWA Chairman Jim Hawkins to Yeoman Warder Terry ‘Basher’ Briggs, a former WO1(MW).
The night was rounded off with a disco and cashless casino although most attendees seemed more interested in mingling, renewing acquaintances and chatting. I am sure all members of our community will join me in expressing our gratitude to Andrew ‘Ozzy’ Osborne for organising yet another splendid event, to Christopher ‘Chip’ Miles for acting as Master of Ceremonies, and to Thales Defence for sponsoring it.