Royal Navy personnel rewarded for long service at HMNB Clyde

During a ceremony at the Warrant Officers and Senior Rates’ Mess, Commodore Sharon Malkin, who took over as the naval base's commanding officer last year, presented awards to the Superintendent Faslane Site community.

Awards were given for long service and good conduct (LS&GC), with the four recipients having clocked up over 168 years of service between them.

Commodore Malkin aid: “On behalf of the Royal Navy and the nation it was a pleasure to be able to award the recipients with their respective LS&GC Bars and valedictory certificates today.

“Often unseen, often far from home and in challenging circumstances, they have all served very long and distinguished careers in the Royal Navy and should be rightly proud of their achievements.”

Among those being recognised was Warrant Officer Glenn Male, who was presented with his third long service award.

Glenn join the Royal Navy in 1977 at the age of 17, and joined HMS Ark Royal on her final deployment on completion of his training.

After marrying his wife in 1981, he served in the Falklands in 1982 on board HMS Penelope – one of the last ships to come under attack during the conflict.

He returned home in September of that year to meet his first daughter, who was already two months old.

Glenn went on to enjoy 36 years in the Submarine Service, completing patrols on all four Resolution Class vessels, and welcomed a second daughter in 1985.

He first joined HMS Repulse in 1986 and went on to serve on HMS Victorious and Vengeance, completing his final sea draft on Vanguard in 2009.

Glenn said: “I signed up for the Royal Navy after chatting with my best mate from school who was home on leave and telling me all about the places he had visited.

“So, initially I signed up for three years. After 18 months I withdrew my 18 months’ notice and decided to give it a bit longer.

WO1 Glenn Male and Cdre Sharon Malkin (Image: Royal Navy)

“When I had seen some of the world, I joined the Artificer Candidates Course at HMS Sultan where I learned about the ‘silent service’ from a submariner on the course.

“Having a family and looking for more stability, the patrol life of the Polaris submarines really appealed to me, so I volunteered.”

One of Glenn’s highlights as a submariner was receiving the Herbert Lott Award for individuals who stand out from the ship’s company for demonstrating marked efficiency in their duties and commitment to the unit.

He was recognised for his professional performance and technical knowledge, as well as his contribution to the overall wellbeing and morale of the ship’s company.

Glenn added: “I always felt it was important to keep morale raised especially in situations where we are separated from our families, and I was delighted to be recognised for the part I played in encouraging team spirit and a bit of friendly rivalry whilst also raising some cash for good causes.”

“I have enjoyed my time in the Royal Navy, and I am truly grateful to the unique group of people who have supported me throughout.

"I would like to give special thanks to my wife and two daughters who have been there with me every step of the way. Without this support I would not be where I am today.”

Glenn is now set to leave the Royal Navy, but will still be a familiar face around HMNB Clyde as he takes up a new role with Babcock in the coming months.

Also achieving an outstanding 45 years’ service and receiving his third LS&GC clasp was Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ian March.

Ian joined the Navy when he was only 16 and joined his first submarine in 1979, HMS Otus, where he earned the right to wear the coveted “dolphins” badge – the mark of a qualified submariner.

Two others also received awards - CPO David Allan, another submariner, received his second clasp to his LS&GC medal for almost 40 years of service, and WO1 Lesley Giffen also received a silver valedictory certificate, having completed almost 34 years in the Royal Navy.