Dave Williams served 1970 - 2004

I joined the Royal Navy in October 1970 as a Junior Seaman second class. Following basic training at HMS RALEIGH and HMS VERNON, I joined my first ship HMS BULWARK in June 1971.  During my 15 month draft to BULWARK the ship was involved in many operations in and around the Mediterranean, most notably the withdrawal of British Forces from MALTA. 

Returning to HMS VERNON in 1972, I underwent further training before eventually joining HMS DEVONSHIRE in 1973.  The highlight of my draft to DEVONSHIRE was the ship involvement in the aftermath of the CYPRUS conflict of 1974.

A short spell at HMS DRAKE followed where I was employed as a member of the Barrack Guard during which time I was rated to Able Seaman before my next draft to sea onboard HMS GALATEA in 1975. Spending much of the time sailing around ICELAND as part of the Cod War peacekeeping force, where I remained until late 1977.

After a short spell as part of the security team at HMS COLLINGWOOD, I returned to HMS VERNON in December 1977 where I was able to successfully complete my Leading Hand course before taking up the next two sea drafts onboard HMS ARROW and HMS ALACRITY

Whilst onboard HMS ALACRITY, I passed for advancement to Petty Officer and following a successful Petty Officer Qualifying Course at HMS VERNON in 1980 was placed on the emergency relief pool and, soon found myself once again at sea, onboard HMS MINERVA.

Following a short period onboard HMS MINERVA I was in 1982, through-drafted to HMS TORQUAY. My first and only ship with Mortar Mk 10 and incidentally, the last to fire 3 salvos within recognised fleet times.  Prior to paying off in 1985 and for my efforts whilst serving onboard TORQUAY, I was promoted to CPO (S).

Returning to HMS DRYAD (now the home of the Sonar Branch) in 1986, I was to spend the next seven years in the role of an instructor. Alternating between DRYAD and FOST I was directly involved in the planning and training of Anti Submarine Warfare, from sonar operators to Command Teams, both of the Royal Navy, NATO, and to a degree som non-NATO countries. I am sure many that read this will remember me from this period. Keeping on the straight and narrow I was awarded the LSGC medal in 1987.

Completing the advanced Anti Submarine Sensor Co-ordinator Course, I joined HMS MONTROSE in 1995 where, I was fortunate enough to have been given the necessary write ups for selection to Warrant Officer, an Honour which I really believed would never see me at sea again however…

On promotion, I found myself once again on the staff of FOST (Sea) this time for 19 months before eventually, taking up my present duty as part of the training management team at the Underwater Warfare School (SMOPS). In May 01 two further honors were given, one being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and the other being asked by Ted Lewis to consider the chairmanship over the ASWI association. As far as Honour and privilege go I would put both the MSM and ASWI Chairmanship on a level par as not many people have the chance of either let alone both.

I hope this very short dit to my naval career gives those who know little of me, an enhancement of my personal profile.