Officer who organised Royal Navy's coronation spectacular honoured
A Royal Navy officer who was key in organising the Senior Sevice's role in the King's coronation has been honoured with an OBE in recognition of his work.
Commander Trefor Fox, based at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth, was singled out for his planning for the spectacular coronation in May which involved thousands of personnel from all three services.
He has been described as the "principal driving force" behind the Royal Navy’s almost 900-strong contribution to the ceremony, overseeing training, transport and other factors.
Cdr Fox also had to balance requirements for the largest state ceremonial event since 1953 with the usual training and operational requirements for the Navy.
"The spectacular success of the Royal Navy in this historical event was in no small part through his tireless endeavours," says his citation.
New Year Honours have been granted to dozens of military personnel, with 23 sailors and Royal Marines - both full-time and reserve - among the recipients.
Warrant Officer 2 Mike Rudall will receive The King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal for being "an outstanding role model" to fellow Commandos during his 35 years of service.
Service on the frontline in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Africa has been balanced with a day job – the reservist only recently retired from South Wales Police.
As Sergeant Major of the Cardiff detachment of Royal Marines Reserve Bristol, he was also called upon to assist with security at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
"It's been a wonderful surprise," said the 53-year-old, who has no immediate plans to end his military career.
Commander Martin Howard, in charge of 700X Naval Air Squadron, and Lieutenant Commander Ross Balfour, based at Faslane, both receive MBEs for their role in the Navy’s growing adoption of autonomous systems.
700X Naval Air Squadron is the Royal Navy's only aerial drone unit, providing flights for ships across the globe, training for pilots throughout the military and trialling new technology.
Meanwhile, Lt Cdr Balfour is guiding the Royal Navy's shift toward crewless mine hunting efforts.
Also based in Faslane is Leading Diver Rory Cartwright-Taylor, from the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, who was awarded an MBE for his personal impact on frontline operations.
The investitures offered a chance to recognise the work done up to this point, as the Navy looks towards the future.
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