Royal Navy WO1 applauded for 45 years of dedicated service

A dedicated Royal Navy WO1 has been congratulated by a senior officer for having spent 45 years in uniform.

Warrant Officer First Class Robert 'Blood' Reid marked the anniversary of the start of his career on 29 January alongside the Royal Navy Commander Surface Flotilla.

Commodore Paul Pitcher said: "As he marks 45 years of service to his country, few can match a career such as Blood's."

• Royal Marine to take on top Royal Navy role for the first time in history of the Senior Service
• What is the strength of the Royal Navy?
• Know your Navy – all the ships and subs in the Royal Navy

"On a misty Monday morning, I was privileged to congratulate WO1 Robert ‘Blood’ Reid on his 45 years of Service," wrote Commodore Pitcher on social media. 

"Having joined the Royal Navy as a junior stoker on 29 January 1979, he is still serving as a Damage Control Officer in Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST). His first ship was the Leander class frigate, Diomede.

"He then served in the Ton-class minesweeper Hodgeston before joining the Type 42 destroyer HMS Cardiff, serving in the Falklands War in 1982. Further tours in the Type 42s Glasgow, Exeter and Edinburgh followed.

"He stood by the 2nd Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless in build and more recently served in the carrier HMS Prince of Wales. He is now delivering world class training as part of FOST."

WO1 Reid was pictured on the misty day in front of his colleagues on parade with the Commodore.

Commodore Pitcher congratulated him on his success and was seen giving him a well-deserved handshake. .

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary had similar cause for celebration.

Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the Director of People and Training for the Royal Navy, recently presented Captain Peter Selby of the RFA with his Valedictory Certificate in recognition of his 44 years of service. He is set to retire next month.