A TULLIBODY sailor recently received an award from the Royal Navy following completion of a course.

Raymond Hamilton was awarded the Admiral Rutherford Trophy as Top Academic following completion of his Petty Officer Engineering Technician (POET) course.

The award was presented by Commodore Andy Jordan, deputy director ships, at a socially distanced ceremony at HMS Collingwood, the home of the Maritime Welfare School near Fareham.

Joining the Navy in 2014 after eight years working for Currys PC World, Raymond has had an interesting career to date.

He cites one of his highlights as serving on HMS Medway when they visited the Caribbean at the end of 2019.

Reflecting on his time in the Caribbean, he said: “Being deployed to support disaster relief was incredible.

“Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Jamaica and being on a deserted tropical beach are experiences I won’t forget.”

In addition to receiving this award, the 34-year-old was also the recipient of the Captain’s Prize for Best Recruit during his basic training at HMS Raleigh and received the Best Apprentice (Engineering Technician) at Naval Service Apprenticeship Awards in March 2016.

Speaking of his prize Raymond said: “I knew the Petty Officer Engineering course would be tough as it has civilian Degree Level Accreditation.

“With the lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions at HMS Collingwood being so strict I found ample time to get my head into the books and revise.

“I also think the feeling of failing because you personally haven’t put enough effort in is horrible.

“I am very pleased to accept this award as it shows if you put effort into your Naval Career the Royal Navy will recognise and reward you.”

Raymond is currently in the middle of pre-joining courses for his new position as Mine Counter Measures Vessels Deputy Weapon Engineer Officer.