Royal Navy recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018 revealed

Jay, aged 37, saw the ship grow from its initial construction in Rosyth to her first entry to Portsmouth years later.

His citation said: “His commitment, judgement and drive have been fundamental in shaping the seamanship and whole-ship safety areas of an innovative new class of aircraft carrier.”

Jay said: “I think I’m in shock at the news, as I still can’t quite believe it. I worked as part of an amazing team and they deserve just as much credit.

“HMS Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life for the last five years, and the life of my family as we moved to Edinburgh to be closer to the ship when she was in build there.

“She is a completely different class of ship and like nothing anyone has seen before. Helping to bring her out of build, being promoted to Warrant Officer and now receiving this award really means I have reached the pinnacle of my career.”

Leading Engineering Technician James Jose, 32, from Greater Manchester, has been awarded an MBE for his hard work while deployed in HMS Albion last year.

James, who has been in the Royal Navy for five years, was awarded the honour for stepping up to a level beyond his rank. His efforts on board the ship were described as ‘critical to ship’s weapon engineering department’.

He said: “I was shocked to be told I was being given an MBE, it’s not something I thought I would ever achieve in my career never mind so early into my service.

“The deployment with HMS Albion was hard work but I enjoyed it, and this is an incredible reward. I can’t wait to tell my family.”

Lieutenant Commander Hugh Botterill has been awarded an MBE for exceptional commitment and inspiration leadership during appointments in HMS Somerset, HMS Diamond and HMS Daring.

He said: “I am delighted to have my work honoured in this way but I see this as a recognition of not just my own commitment to the service, but of the tremendous support of my family while I pursue my career.

“I deployed to sea at very short notice while my wife Holly was expecting our second baby and my family and I are justifiably proud that this dedication and their own support has been recognised.”

Commander Chris New has been awarded an OBE for being the chief architect of the Royal Navy’s diversity and inclusion agenda, showing inspirational leadership.

He said: “I feel hugely privileged to have received this honour. Transforming diversity and inclusion to make it relevant to operational effectiveness has been a team effort.”

THE LIST OF RECIPIENTS IN FULL

Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

Vice Admiral Tony Radakin

Rear Admiral Nick Hine

Major General Rob Magowan CBE

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Captain Mike Knott

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Commander Stephen Anderson

Colonel Steve Francis

Commander Ian Harrop

Commander Tris Kirkwood

Commander Graeme Knox

Commander Chris New

Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Purser MBE

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Lieutenant Commander Johnnie Ball

Lieutenant Commander Hugh Botterill

Warrant Officer 1 D Castle

Warrant Officer 1 J Early

Lieutenant Commander Fiona Haynes

Leading Engineering Technician James Jose

Commander Andy Kellett

Lieutenant Commander Alastair Ley

Marine N Purja

Commander Heather Rimmer

Lieutenant Commander Brian Trim

Queen’s Voluntary Reserve Medal (QVRM)

Warrant Officer 1 J Cox