b'8 Partner News Autumn 2023MODCelebrating excellence in the Royal NavyEvery year the Rear Admiral Bateson Award isWhen did you find out you given to an individual in the Weapons branchwere the winner and what went of the Royal Navy to recognise individualthrough your mind? excellence. Originally named after Rear AdmiralIt was just a normal day, Im currently onThe main reason I won was S L Bateson CB CBE this award is sponsored bya course in HMS Collingwood and wasfor the work I did when I was the IET as part of our on-going partnershiptold an officer was looking for me, so Ideployed last year, and my with the Navy and is one of the mostimmediately started to think of how I prestigious individual awards in the Royal Navy.could be in some sort of trouble. Once Iability to overcome problems found him though he informed me I hadand find an engineering We spoke with 2023 winner Leadingwon, explained all the procedures that are Engineering Technician (LET) Joe Arnold forinvolved with the prize giving and whatsolution. I also took a lead role an exclusive chat about what winning theit meant. I think I was just more relieved Iin modifying some procedures award means to him, his career in the Navywas in the clear to begin with! and what his next steps will be.and achieving watchkeeping Can you tell us a bit more aboutqualifications. First of all, what does it mean to why you won? be nominated and win an award like The main reason I won was for the work the Bateson award? I did when I was deployed last year, and It helps with the assurance that Im doing wellmy ability to overcome problems and find within my job. The Royal Navy is always goodan engineering solution. I also took a lead at letting you know when youre not doingrole in modifying some procedures and well but not so good at giving out praise asachieving watchkeeping qualifications. such. So its nice to be recognised and I thinkThere are probably some more reasons but more people should be able to experience it.some of it is confidential.'