Military personnel from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose have been rewarded for their loyal and faithful service with Long Service and Good Conduct (LS&GC) medals.

The quartet was presented with LS&GC medals by Captain Adrian Orchard OBE, Commanding Officer of RNAS Culdrose at a small ceremony watched on by fellow service personnel.

They have all served at the Fleet Air Arm’s West Cornwall base for a number of years and have collectively clocked up over 70 years in uniform, with either the Royal Navy or as part of the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), who’s job it is to guard RNAS Culdrose. The Royal Navy and Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal is awarded to serving personnel who have given exemplary service, and have been recommended for the award by their commanding officer. They must also have completed 15 years service and in possession of three good conduct badges.

“I feel extremely proud to be awarded my LSGC Medal that’s for recognition for 15 years of service given to the Royal Navy,” said Chief Petty Officer Air Engineer Technician Ian Sibley, one of four recipients of the LS&GC medal on the day. “I still find the job very rewarding and feel proud to continue to serve my country.”

Another recipient, who received the Army version of the medal, was Private Rachel McGahan who served several times when she was in the Royal Navy at Culdrose and now works for MPGS with the Army. “Culdrose is a great place to work. I have raised my two daughters here and we now called Helston and the local community home. I’m very proud to received my Long Service medal today and especially from the Boss of Culdrose.”

Along with CPO Ian Sibley and Pte Rachel McGahan receiving medals, were Leading Airman Brian Aikenhead who works in the Base’s Survival Equipment section and Leading Supply Chain Michael Baker from the Logistics Department.

After the ceremony the Captain joined all four medallists and some family members for lunch in RNAS Culdrose’s ‘Ocean Diner’, where they discussed their remarkable careers with the Royal Navy.