Two Royal Navy officers have been awarded NATO’s highest award, the Meritorious Service Medal, for their outstanding contributions to the Alliance’s efforts to maintain maritime security, a press release said.
Lieutenant Commanders Matthew Harvey and Rob Garner were recognised for their expertise and leadership whilst serving in NATO Task Groups, where they played a critical role in directing the operations of two of NATO’s premier naval forces.
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Harvey served as Operations Officer with Standing Maritime Group 1, a task force normally consisting of around six frigates and destroyers. On board 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 force at sea three out of four days.
In the announcement, Lt Cdr Harvey, reflecting on his experiences, said: “Although it is a demanding role, working with officers and crew from so many NATO member states has been incredibly rewarding professionally. I would highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to serve in a NATO position to take up this exciting and challenging opportunity.”
He added: “Receiving my NATO MSM was a proud moment for me and my family, without which I would not have felt so secure in my job.”
In the Eastern Mediterranean, Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner lent his expertise in anti-submarine warfare while serving on two Allied ships as part of Standing Maritime Group 2.
He initially served on board 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 NATO Staff was a truly enriching professional and personal experience. I would recommend a NATO tour to anyone serving in the Royal Navy who wants to challenge themselves in unfamiliar surroundings 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 Headquarters in Northwood.
