Ma'am, we salute you
This week, and today in particular, the country both celebrates and pays tribute to the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.
HMS OARDACIOUS has been in existence a mere 4 years, but we draw inspiration from her dedication, longevity, but most importantly, her humanity.
She has been a constant through all of our lives, indeed through most of our parents and some of our grandparents’ lives. Her service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth has been exemplary and unparalleled.
That should be enough, but at HMS OARDACIOUS we are lucky to claim an additional bond to Her Majesty. She is our sovereign, she has been the Lord High Admiral, indeed her signature is on my own Commission. For me, that signature means a huge amount, not only to be receive a commission from our Sovereign, but to receive it from a Monarch that truly knows and understands what it means to serve in the Armed Forces.
Nearly eighty years ago, during the Second World War, Princess Elizabeth as she then was joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army. She trained as a driver and mechanic becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Forces as an active member.
Defence takes immense pride in its relationship with Her Majesty The Queen as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Over her 70-year reign The Queen has shown her support and admiration for her Armed Forces, and personnel will celebrate her life and service wherever they are deployed in the world.
Her dedication to the United Kingdom and its people has been inspirational to us all. HMS OARDACIOUS and, I’m sure all our community who work in defence of the nation, would like to congratulate Her Majesty on her Platinum Jubilee and send our heartfelt thanks for her selfless commitment to duty.
Ma’am, we salute you.