HMS Dauntless in the foreground with HMAS Sydney, USS Shoup and USS Robert Smalls during Exercise Talisman 25 – July 18th 2025.
Address from Commander Ben Dorrington RN, Captain of HMS DAUNTLESS
“I am honored to read the citation for the nomination of this year’s World Traders – Sailor of the Year.
This award recognises both outstanding performance throughout the year but also an individual who has gone above and beyond that of their TORs to improve Operational Capability.
While this individual’s performance as the head of a sub-department has been exemplary it is their commitment to supporting wholeship activities that sets them apart. Their commitment to supporting all departments during both the planning and execution phase has delivered tangible results and ultimately improved Operational Capability across the Ship; whether that be organising short notice BTX to embark vital stores, re-planning key seamanship evolutions post defect rectification or supporting Breakdown drills to endorse personnel. He has worked tirelessly, and without favor, and is ultimately one of the reasons why Dauntless is in such a materially resilient condition and deployed on Operations today.
Not only do they support activity across all departments they also engender an outstanding Coaching and Mentoring culture onboard from the newest AB2 through to senior management. The positive atmosphere generated by his leadership has created a supportive atmosphere which encourages an individual to try, without fear of failure, and ultimately delivers the best in people.
This individual has achieved all of this whilst delivering at the highest possible level. Throughout our numerous L1 assurance and FOST assessments, he has been recognised as a strength consistently and his sub-department has received GOOD or V SAT at every assessment. The administration of his sub-department has been faultless as has his execution. Acting as the Screen Commander in the absence of the Prince of Wales he was the one that cohered the multi-national taskgroup that we saw around us for the final Thursday war as we departed UK waters on Operation HIGHMAST.
An individual who demands high standards from his subordinates but even higher standards of himself, this award rightfully recognises the hard work and dedication of our Navigating Officer, Lt Pierce Tattersall”
This address was given onboard HMS DAUNTLESS as the she is taking part representing the Royal Navy in Carrier Task Group 25 – Operation Highmast.
Our affiliated ship left Portsmouth on 22nd April and is currently in Australia taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre having visited many Mediterranean countries before moving through the Red Sea on to Oman and Singapore. Dauntless is working alongside the carrier HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond together with ships from multiple international navies and will not be back in British waters for some months.
It is hoped that a convenient date can be arranged on the return of Dauntless when the World Traders certificate and cheque can be presented in person to Lt. Pierce Tattersall.
Michael Wren
Past Master 2009/10
