A belated Happy New Year to all.
Glad to see there was at least one aviation related award among the RN recipients.
It's thanks in large part to Reservist aircrewman Chief Petty Officer Mark Spencer that the Commando Helicopter Force have better trained crew in the Merlin Mk4 helicopter, which carries Royal Marines into battle.
Mark, who serves at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, has been instrumental in the Rear Crew Trainer simulator – the first of its kind which will revolutionise the way in which aircrew train.
It’s the task of the rear crew to ensure the safety of up to two dozen commandos and their kit, as well as support the pilots, operate the machine-guns in a combat zone, land/take-off in tight spots and secure loads safely beneath the helicopter.
Mark has pulled out all the stops to ensure the software/simulator not only works but improves the training delivered to aircrewmen, to the benefit of front-line operations. He receives the MBE for his outstanding efforts.
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-an...012-ny-honours
I also see that
Call me Dave's favourite Royal got a CB; I increasingly wish I'd put fifty quid on him becoming Commandant-General back in 2010
