COMMANDER A R GILES ROYAL NAVY – BIOGRAPHY

Andy Giles joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Assistant Stores Accountant in September 1973. On completion of basic training at HMS GANGES and professional Supply Branch tuition at HMS PEMBROKE, he served at sea in the Frigates LEOPARD and PLYMOUTH and the Aircraft Carriers ARK ROYAL (final deployment in 1978), INVINCIBLE and ILLUSTRIOUS. Having joined INVINCIBLE whilst in build, he remained with the ship until her return from the Falklands conflict in 1982, gaining the South Atlantic Medal. His service in ILLUSTRIOUS covered the period of her major gearbox explosion and fire, the subsequent repairs and, eventually, a group deployment to the Far East and Australia. On returning to UK, and in the rate of Petty Officer, he attended the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth and was promoted to the Officer Corps in 1987.

After promotion, and an appointment at HMS HERON, he returned to HMS INVINCIBLE as the Supply Officer (Logistics). At the end of a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging appointment, which began in Fort Lauderdale Florida, ended in Hong Kong and spanned almost 3 years, he took up the post of Secretary to Captain D5 in HMS EXETER. This was in preparation for attendance on the Logistics Branch Charge Course and a further 2 years at sea as the Logistics Officer onboard HMS LANCASTER. With a secondary duty as ‘Buckingham Palace Liaison Officer’ one of the highlights of this appointment was organising the visit to the ship by The Duke of Lancaster, Her Majesty the Queen, in July 1996. Shore appointments at the Waterfront Support Organisation in Portsmouth Naval Base, and as the Commodore’s Secretary at HMS COLLINGWOOD followed, before a brief return to sea as the Squadron Logistics Officer in HMS CARDIFF. On leaving CARDIFF he joined the Naval Manning Agency as the Junior Logistics Officer Career Manager, responsible for the appointing and career development of 250 Logistics and Family Services Officers.

On promotion to Commander in February 2003, he took up the appointment as Division Head for Manpower and Personnel at NATO’s Maritime Component Command Headquarters at Northwood UK and, after 3 years, moved internally to the post of HQ Support Commander. In August 2008 he became the Southern Area Officer to the Sea Cadet Corps.

Andy is married to Kate and they live in Locks Heath, Hampshire with Molly the cat! He enjoys most sports, particularly Skiing, Golf and Hill Walking, and also follows the highs and lows of Norwich City Football Club.