HMS PRINCE OF WALES AWARDS

The aircraft carrier HMS PRINCE OF WALES is affiliated to the Worshipful Company of Engineers, which, jointly with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology supports the Vice Admiral Wildish Memorial Prize for Engineering Innovation and The Commander Marine Engineering Award for Operational Engineering.

Vice Admiral Wildish Award for Engineering Innovation

Awarded to the member of any engineering department onboard HMS PRINCE OF WALES (Air, Marine or Weapons) who has either created a new piece of equipment or technique to deal with a unique problem, solved a known problem in a more efficient way or used existing equipment or techniques in a new fashion to achieve a better result, demonstrating innovation in the face of adversity.

Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Ben Mills.  CPOET (ME) Mills heads the core of HMS PRINCE OF WALES’ Marine Engineering Department, the Diesel Generator Section. As a transfer from the British Army, his outside-the-box and unique approach to both mechanical and electrical diesel engine maintenance and repairs has enabled his team to reduce out of action times from what were 8 hour evolutions, to a current record of 2 hours and 37 minutes. His ingenious and innovative way of thinking has ensured the maximum operational availability of key power generation systems, a crucial lifeline to sustainability at sea.

Over the course of the previous year, propulsion systems have been subject to reliability issues. This has required a novel reshuffle within his team’s organisation to ensure that there is always an engineering ‘tiger-team’ standing by to conduct maintenance and repairs as necessary, whilst balancing other commitments and duties. Without CPO Mills and his team, there is no doubt that HMS PRINCE OF WALES would not have seen the considerable achievements this last year.  For his unrelenting commitment and enthusiasm, he is truly deserving of recognition.

CPOET (ME) Ben Mills receiving his certificate and £200 prize from Master Engineer Audrey Canning. Photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography

Vice Admiral Wildish served in HMS PRINCE OF WALES in 1941.  A few months before the ship was sunk in the Far East, the ship’s officers presented him and his wife with a silver platter to mark their wedding.  Vice Admiral Wildish died in 2017 and his family have given the platter to the current HMS PRINCE OF WALES in his memory. The platter is now part of the annual award, sponsored jointly by the Engineers Company and Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, to commemorate the innovation shown by Admiral Wildish during his career as a Marine Engineering Officer.  Among his many inventions was the splinter box (for damage control) as well as the concept of maintenance scheduling, a forerunner to Unit Maintenance Management System in use today.

The Commander Marine Engineering Award for Operational Engineering

This Award is made to the member of the Marine Engineering department onboard HMS PRINCE OF WALES who has delivered an exceptional result against either significant operational or time pressure, and/or arduous conditions.

Petty Officer Engineering Technician Hayley Garnett. The resilience and professionalism of HMS PRINCE OF WALES’ Gas Turbine Section, headed by POET (ME) Garnett, continues to exceed expectations in success and achievement. Despite the difficulties experienced by the team with unique and extraordinary defects, they have continuously sought the highest level of Operational Capability and equipment availability. Their wits, nerves and knowledge have been keenly tested in the face of adversity, but they have continually found success. POET (ME) Garnett is one of the few specialists in her field in the Royal Navy and the way she has provided professional diagnostics has been a key enabler for preventative action being taken and capability being restored.

Despite its complications, the team remain proud of their equipment and duties, and have never allowed their heads to drop despite facing challenges often requiring them to continue work throughout the night. Her spirit and motivation make her a truly worthy recipient.

POET (ME) Hayley Garnett receiving her certificate and £100 prize from Master Engineer Audrey Canning. Photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography

HMS ANSON AWARD

Commanding Officer’s Engineering, Leadership and Innovation Award

HMS ANSON is affiliated to the Worshipful Company of Engineers, which supports this Award for an HMS ANSON Junior Rate, Senior Rate, Warrant Officer, or Commissioned Officer who has demonstrated exceptional engineering ability, leadership and innovation over the previous 12 months.

Leading Engineering Technician (Marine Engineer Submariner) Cameron Dale joined ANSON in June 2020 whilst the boat was still under construction in the BAE Devonshire Dock Hall. He immediately made an impact with his strong work ethic and high level of engineering standards, which complemented an already professional section and department. Playing a key role in the Ship Section for the complex process of preparing ANSON for her exit from Barrow and transition into service, he continually demonstrates professionalism in the most challenging of circumstances.

LET Dale’s drive and focus, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, were fundamental to the timely handover of Ship’s Systems essential to achieving the launch and first trim dive programme. 

LET Cameron Dale receiving his certificate and £150 prize from Master Engineer Audrey Canning. Photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) acknowledges excellence in engineering, supports engineering education and research, gives grants and assists in the relief of poverty.