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Navy Officer Receives Medal Underwater
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Most medal presentations are very formal affairs, but a Royal Navy diver experienced a completely different type of ceremony when he received his reward for his loyal service underwater!
Acting Petty Officer Andy Coulson of Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) was in the middle of a two-week exercise in Gibraltar when he was given an impromptu medal presentation at the bottom of a military outdoor swimming pool.
Officer in Charge SDU2, Lieutenant Simon Leightley, dived to the bottom of the pool to read PO Coulson's citation and to formally present his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
PO Coulson said:
"I was not expecting it. I mentioned it in passing several weeks ago that I thought it would be good to receive my medal underwater rather than on the parade ground, but I didn?t expect anyone to act on it! I had totally forgotten that I mentioned it.
"But it's something that will live with me forever - it was a remarkable day and certainly one of the highlights of my 15-year career in the Royal Navy."
Lt Leightley said:
"Andy has just been selected for promotion and will soon embark on his professional qualifying course, so it seemed an appropriate send-off to present his medal 'in the office' so to speak. I gave a slightly shorter citation than normal - mostly through bubbles."
Joining PO Coulson and Lt Leightley underwater for the presentation was Warrant Officer (Diver) Robin Rickard, representing the Southern Diving Group.
Originally joining the Navy at 16 as an Air Engineer Mechanic, PO Coulson transferred to the diving branch 11 years ago.
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