A Saundersfoot man that served with the Royal Navy for 22 years has been awarded The Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS).

Lt Cdr Andrew Dennis was awarded the QCVS for outstanding performance in his final acts within Service, protecting the health of nearly 4,000 Armed Forces personnel serving on the carrier Strike Group during the pandemic.

Effectively liaising with more than 40 countries to co-ordinate Covid-19 policies, he personally developed and managed the successful vaccination programme across the Carrier Strike Group that resulted in every individual being vaccinated against Covid.

Andrew rose from the ranks of junior rate to Chief Petty Officer before being commissioned to Officer in 2016. Known as a talented all round sportsman and competitor, Andrew also represented the Royal Navy rugby side, with several senior caps and tries, he also played at the famous Army vs Navy Twickenham Interservices match in a number of successive years.

“Today’s Operational Honours List recognises outstanding efforts across defence. Congratulations to all those named,” commented Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.

“An incredible way to bookend an phenomenal Military career for a highly driven and accomplished individual.

Since his preparation for life after service, Andrew has relocated back to Pembrokeshire with family, wife Amy and children, Ava, Austin and Josh whilst successfully launching a business Combat Carpet Clean West Wales.

Andrew formed the very first Combat Carpet Clean branch in partnership with his good friend and fellow Saundersfoot native Jay James, who for the last 14 years has juggled his music career whilst also carved a glowing career in broadcasting.

Jay, as a former Warfare specialist, served for 10 years within the Royal Navy and for many moments at the side of best friend Andrew, featured on The X Factor in 2014, when he was mentored by Simon Cowell, and has since gone onto to wider success and acclaim as a member of multi-platinum selling group The Overtones.

Congratulating Andrew on his Queen’s Commendation, Jay said: “So incredibly proud of my brother from another, best mate and business partner - another phenomenal life achievement mate! Absolute class.”