Two Royal Navy officers have been awarded NATO’s highest decoration, the Meritorious Service Medal, for their distinguished contributions to the alliance’s efforts in maintaining maritime security, according to a press release.
Lieutenant Commanders Matthew Harvey and Rob Garner were recognised for their expertise and leadership while serving in NATO task groups, where they played critical roles in directing the operations of two of NATO’s principal maritime forces.
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Harvey served as the operations officer with Standing Maritime Group 1, a task force typically comprising around six frigates and destroyers. Based aboard the German flagship FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lt Cdr Harvey advised Rear Admiral Thorsten Marx and worked with a multinational staff on a deployment that saw the task group at sea for three out of every four days.
Reflecting on his experience, Lt Cdr Harvey stated in the announcement, “Whilst a demanding role, it was incredibly professionally rewarding to work with officers and ratings from so many NATO member states, and I would strongly recommend that anyone afforded the opportunity to serve in a NATO position grasps what will be an exciting and challenging opportunity.”
He added, “The award of my NATO MSM was a proud moment for both myself and my family, without whom I would not have felt so confident in my job.”
In the eastern Mediterranean, Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner provided his expertise in anti-submarine warfare while serving with two allied vessels as part of Standing Maritime Group 2.
He initially served aboard the Italian frigate ITS Carlo Margottini before moving to the USS Forrest Sherman, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Lt Cdr Garner expressed his pride in receiving the NATO MSM, saying, “My time at sea with the NATO staffs was a really rewarding professional and personal experience. I’d recommend a NATO operational tour to anyone serving in the Royal Navy who wants to challenge themselves in unfamiliar environments and get the chance to work closely with our allies.”
Both officers were presented with their medals by Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander of NATO Maritime Command, during a ceremony at MARCOM HQ in Northwood.
Well done chaps….