CPO Robert Ramsey RN receiving his Award from HRH The Princess Royal, with Master Engineer Andrew McNaughton, at the Engineers Trust Awards Dinner on 9 June 2026

Chief Petty Officer Robert Ramsey RN

Chief Petty Officer Ramsey led the Mechanical Section aboard HMS VIGILANT, directly responsible for 20 technicians and the maintenance and operation of systems vital for submarine and nuclear safety, as well as essential domestic services, all critical to mission success. He was integral in preparing for and delivering an extraordinary (175 day) continuous-at-sea deterrent patrol. In the pre-patrol maintenance period his standards, drive and technical knowledge ensured his section’s work progressed well but, at the same time, he developed his team’s engineering skills and understanding, as well as their confidence. Ramsey set the groundwork to deliver sustained operational capability once on patrol.

Once deployed, as a watchkeeper Ramsey’s devotion to maintenance of standards was clear. His diligent rounds and mentoring approach led to his team being instilled with his personal ethos of maintaining the highest engineering standards. When defects were discovered, they were found early, at the lowest level, allowing management action and rectification without removing capability from Command. This was most ably displayed in the identification, monitoring and repair of a steam leak, a mission critical defect which could have severely limited power available to Command. This defect was found early and subject to regular monitoring, enabling planning and preparation for a repair at a time of operational convenience, rather than as an operationally limiting emergency repair. The repair itself involved isolation of part of the steam system, restriction of available power and the application of a Furmanite repair to the steam leak and was managed well, in a swift and effective fashion, minimising the time at risk. This conduct exemplifies Ramsey’s contribution to the sustainability of the patrol.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers, through its charitable arm the Engineers Trust, is honoured to recognise outstanding performance and leadership across all branches of the Armed Forces and their civilian engineering support teams. Awards were presented by HRH The Princess Royal at the Company’s Awards Dinner on 9th June 2026.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) promotes the contributions of engineers to benefit society, education and research, and the relief of hardship and poverty.

Award photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography