Dougie Reekie, a long-standing member of the NAAFI team on-board HMS Ships, was recently presented with the prestigious Volunteer Service Medal by Captain Daniel Parker.

Dougie began his career with NAAFI in 1990 as a Canteen Assistant on HMS Ark Royal and quickly demonstrated his dedication and commitment. Over the years, Dougie progressed through various roles, achieving the rank of Ship Manager while serving on-board HMS Nottingham in 1991.

Recently, Dougie played a pivotal role in a major operation on-board HMS Diamond, becoming the first person to activate under the Sponsored Reservist role, first introduced in 2014. Throughout the years, he has always shown a strong work ethic and deep commitment to supporting those on-board, in the demanding environments they operate in.

In January 2025, Dougie will be embarking on a new assignment on-board HMS Lancaster, playing a key role in supporting the ship’s return to UK shores.

A breakdown of Dougie’s incredible career with NAAFI:

HMS Ark Royal: Apr 1990 – May 1991

HMS Fearless:  May 1991 – Dec 1991

HMS Nottingham: Dec 1991 – May 1997

HMS Endurance: May 1997 – Apr 1998

HMS Exeter: May 1998 – Mar 1999

HMS Birmingham: Mar 1999 – Feb 2000

HMS Edinburgh: Jan 2001 – Feb 2002

HMS Invincible: Mar 2002 – Aug 2005

HMS Exeter: Aug 2005 – Dec 2005

HMS Liverpool: Dec 2005 – Oct 2006

HMS Ark Royal: Nov 2006 – Mar 2011

HMS Dragon: Jul 2011 – May 2015

HMS Dauntless: May 2015 – Nov 2015

HMS Diamond: Nov 2015 – Aug 2016

HMS Queen Elizabeth: Dec 2016 – Jan 2022

HMS Diamond: Jan 2022 – Oct 2024

From everyone here at NAAFI, well done Dougie!