The Commander of British Forces, Commodore Ian McGhie, presented two Valedictory Certificates and one Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at the Tower yesterday.

Chief Petty Officer Bernie Gainford received his Valedictory Certificate after 36 years of service to the Crown. Bernie joined the Royal Navy in May 1979 and went on to work for the Department for Trade and Industry in 1993. In 2005 he was offered the opportunity to re-join the Royal Navy, which he happily accepted. Bernie fondly recounts one of his first visits to Gibraltar as a young serviceman, he said: “I remember sitting at the top of the Rock in 1982, looking at all the ships in the harbour, I was so impressed. I always had such a love for Gibraltar.” Bernie will now settle in the area with his family, and he will continue to work as a partner in a local LED lighting business.

Chief Petty Officer Nick Clark was also presented with his Valedictory Certificate following 24 years in the Royal Navy. He initially joined as a Steward in 1991 but in 2003 his career took a different path when he successfully completed Medical Assistant Training. Nick is currently the PRMC Practice Manager and has been an active member of the community during his time in Gibraltar. Nick is a volunteer for St John Ambulance, a charity that he is very passionate about, he said: “I have really enjoyed working with the St John Ambulance, they do such a lot of hard work out here and it’s been a privilege being part of it.”  Nick will now go on to do a Nursing degree at Plymouth University.

Following 16 years reckonable service in the Royal Navy, Petty Officer Chris Levy was presented his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Chris had just left school, and was only 16, when he joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Operator Mechanic, he has subsequently served on four warships. When asked about the highlight of his career to date, Chris said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with HMS Northumberland, I was in charge of my department and was given a lot of autonomy. But being in Gibraltar has been fantastic; I’ve discovered the art of building theatre props. I get so much enjoyment out of it, it is definitely something I will take away with me and do for the rest of my life.”

Group Photo L to R: CPO Gainford, CPO Clark, CBF, PO Levy