CULDROSE X MAN RECEIVES NEW YEAR’S HONOUR
A Naval Reservist, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, has been recognised on the 2017 New Year’s Honours List with a Queens Volunteer Reserve Medal (QVRM).
Lieutenant Commander Alan Rogers, currently serving on 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS), will pick up the prestigious award for his devoted work on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their use in the Royal Navy. The medal is given in recognition for his hard work and dedication over the years.
700X NAS operate the Boeing Insitu Scan Eagle remotely piloted air system. Alan has in depth experience in unmanned air operations, having previously served as the Commanding Officer of the ‘Fleet Target Group’ and 792 NAS. He later gained experience with the Mirach 100/5 aerial target and logged over 100 launches in support of Sea Dart firings as well as Tornado and Typhoon air to air missile systems.
Alan’s 43 years career in the Royal Navy began in 1974 when he joined up as an Air Engineering Mechanic. He progressed through the ranks and was commissioned as a Special Duty Aviation Officer, then served as Flight Deck Officer onboard the Commando Assault Carrier HMS Ocean.
On retiring from the Royal Navy in 2011, Alan was asked by Navy Command Headquarters to consider acting as a special adviser on operating unmanned aircraft from ships. This led to him being offered a Full Time Reserve Service contract and command of 700X NAS.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised in such a manner” said Lt Cdr Rogers. “I am really pleased, but my achievements wouldn't have been possible without the efforts and support of the 700X team. I would like to say thank you to each and every one of them.”
The Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal (QVRM) was created by Her Majesty the Queen by Royal Warrant on 29 March 1999. Only 13 Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medals may be awarded each year. The medal is presented only to members of the Volunteer Reserves in the British Armed Forces for exemplary meritorious service in the conduct of their duties.