CO 857 NAS awarded MBE

A Culdrose Aviator has been made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list for 2013. Lieutenant Commander Geoff Hayward RN [45] has been awarded the MBE for his service when he was the Commanding Officer of 857 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose between 2010 and 2012.

During his time at 857 NAS he found himself deployed to land locked Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012 conducting surveillance operations and lead the squadron in the more traditional maritime environment during the 2011 NATO Libya Campaign.

Geoff said “I am immensely proud to have had the privilege of commanding 857 NAS, and to have done so during demanding operational deployments to both Afghanistan and Libya.

"Without exception, 857 NAS’ highly professional and effective team of aircrew, engineers and intelligence personnel has made the command task an absolute pleasure for me."

When he was told of the award he also said “I am humbled to have been nominated for a MBE; this award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone on 857 NAS; a squadron that I will hold in the highest of regards and for which I have only the fondest of memories."

Geoff is now working at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire where he is responsible for development of unmanned air vehicle tactics and procedures for the Fleet Air Arm, putting his operational experience to good use.

Originally from Portsmouth, but schooled in Harefield in Middlesex he joined the Royal Navy in 1987 and as a Fleet Air Arm career officer has seen operational experience across the Globe.

He lives in Portsmouth with his wife Fiona and two teenage step children; and when his duties and family allow him time his hobbies include carp fishing, photography, keeping fit and walking the family’s two west highland terriers, Charlie and Bonnie.