A civil servant who worked for the Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla (SURFLOT) in Devonport, arranging the travel around the globe, is looking forward to her retirement after 35 years’ service to the crown.
Administrative officer Shirley House was thanked by Captain Paddy Allen of SURFLOT for her dedicated service and presented her with a special Certificate of Valediction, on behalf of the Commander Surface Flotilla, Commodore Tim Neild.
“I would like to pass-on the appreciation and gratitude of Commodore Neild,” said Capt Allen.
“Shirley has worked for the civil service for 35 years in and around Plymouth, and for the past 20 in Defiance building, supporting people of the surface and submarine flotillas for the past 18 years.
“This is our chance to thank her for all the hard work and challenges she has overcome along the way. We all wish her a wonderful, peaceful retirement, travelling the world herself now and letting others do the work.”
Part of Shirley’s Certificate of Valediction from COMSURFLOT read:
“Having joined the Civil Service in August 1986, your extraordinary dedication to the Ministry of Defence and wider Royal Navy through a remarkable 35 years’ service is of the highest order and exemplifies the finest traditions of the Civil Service.
“In responding to the many demands you have faced throughout your exceptional career, through your time in HMS Drake’s Unit Personnel Office and as SURFLOT’s Travel Officer, you have played a significant role in supporting the Royal Navy, and its personnel based in Devonport and Portsmouth Naval Bases and the Ships and Submarines located there. Your successes are too numerous to record individually, but have each been due to your unwavering professionalism, dedication and loyalty. You should be justifiably proud of your achievements and the legacy you leave behind.”
Shirley said:
“I’ve had a lovely time in Devonport with some amazing people over the years. I would like to thank them all. I’m sure I will miss the camaraderie the banter and those phone calls requesting my assistance.”
