Submariner honoured for service

A SUBMARINER from Saltash has been commended after spending the equivalent of four years beneath the waves.

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Jeff Crawford has completed more than 10 patrols on board submarines in his 29-year career.

As a result he has been awarded a commendation resulting in his official recognition to the UK's Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

The 45-year-old joined the Royal Navy the week after leaving school in 1983.

He has served on board six Royal Navy submarines, including three which carry the UK's nuclear deterrent.

CPO Crawford is currently working at the Royal Navy Submarine School, based at HMS Raleigh, in Torpoint, where he teaches advanced sonar to officers and senior ratings.

CPO Crawford said: "I have completed 14 deterrent patrols serving on both Resolution and Vanguard class submarines.

"Life onboard any class of submarine is at times arduous but also rewarding.

"Although this commendation is for my contribution to the nation's deterrent I am equally proud of my many years spent on the nation's fleet submarines, HMS Spartan and HMS Sceptre.

"The Royal Navy has been a great career, giving me the opportunities to achieve many things I could only have dreamed of and the fact that I have achieved nearly 29 years' unblemished service speaks for itself."

CPO Crawford lives in Saltash with his wife Kate, and three children, Harry, aged six, Esme, aged three and two-year-old Bertie.

He was presented with his Long Service and Good Conduct medal in 1999, signifying 15 years' dedicated service to the Royal Navy.

CPO Crawford was also awarded a commendation by the Commander-in-Chief Fleet in 1989 for his brave actions in rescuing a female police officer from drowning in the Gareloch, in Scotland.

The UK has maintained a Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent for more than 40 years.

The four Vanguard class ballistic submarines, Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant and Vengeance, have never missed a second of continuous at sea deterrence with their Trident missile systems since taking over from the Resolution class Polaris armed boats.