Royal Navy officer awarded OBE for working against terrorists and drug smugglers
The Captain of HMS Montrose has been awarded an OBE for her work delivering blows to drug smugglers and terrorists in the Gulf.
Commander Claire Thompson will receive the award when she returns to the UK, recognising her accomplishments captaining the ship.
The frigate has proved to be one of the Navy's most successful and effective warships in 2022, with Cdr Thompson and her crew of sailors and Royal Marines scoring four major drugs busts and two illegal arms caches.
She said she felt "hugely privileged and extremely humbled" to receive the award, as well as recognising the "selfless commitment of the men and women" on board HMS Montrose.
Cdr Thompson added that without the crew "none of that success is possible".
"It is an incredible honour and, for me, this award represents each and every one of my ship's company and their hard work, professionalism and dedication whilst deployed on operations over significant periods of the last year," she said.
"In addition to those on board there are also the families and friends we leave behind, yet who support us wholeheartedly in our endeavours and therefore also deserve to be recognised in moments such as these.
"I really cannot wait to get back to the UK next month for a homecoming that was always going to be good but, with this news, will now be truly very special."
The frigate is homeward bound, due back in Plymouth next month after more than four years away from the UK.
Another member of the Royal Navy was also honoured in the list, with Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse awarded the CBE.
RAdm Moorhouse was recogonised for his role leading HMS Queen Elizabeth and the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Navy flagship's maiden deployment.
He was in charge of the international force of warships, F-35 Lightning jets, helicopters and a nuclear-powered submarine on their mission to the Indo-Pacific and back.
During the 44,000-mile deployment, the Carrier Strike Group worked with 44 different nations.
He said he felt "incredibly privileged" to receive the award, but acknowledged the deployment wouldn't have "been possible without the truly exceptional commitment from the nearly 3,500 men and women who deployed with the Strike Group at the height of COVID".
"Their professionalism, dedication, and resilience, along with the unwavering support of our families, underpinned all that we achieved," he said.
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