CBE for UK National Hydrographer
16 June 2010
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Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff BA, 55, has been appointed a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his work as a UK National Hydrographer.
His citation reads: "Establishing this prominent national role at a most testing time for the Hydrographic Office in Taunton, you rose to every challenge. Using exceptional diplomatic skills, you secured the support of the International Hydrographic Organisation and foreign government hydrographic offices; essential to ensure the provision of quality assured digital navigational charts to the Royal Navy and the continued operation of the Hydrographic Office as a viable Trading Fund within the Ministry of Defence...throughout a formidable series of bilateral negotiations you demonstrated unlimited enthusiasm and energy and used your wide sea-going experience to fine effect in identifying innovative and pragmatic solutions. A persuasive ambassador for the United Kingdom and Royal Navy, your remarkable accomplishments are of true national benefit."
Ian was born in Bolton, Lancashire and grew up in Kirkham where he attended Kirkham High School and Preston VI Form College before he graduated from the University of Keele in 1977 on a Royal Navy University Cadetship. He said of his award: "I am fortunate enough to serve my country in a career that I love and this is immensely rewarding in itself. My past four years as National Hydrographer, in an office that has a world renowned history of 215 years, have been particularly special since the office focuses on delivering Admiralty navigational services that keep all sea-goers safe. This is not produced by individual effort, and I have always been grateful and privileged to have the loyal and dedicated support of family and colleagues, so I am surprised and thrilled to be invited to step forward to receive such a prestigious honour."
Ian qualified as a Warfare Officer and has 20 years operational seagoing experience in 11 warships. He has been the executive officer of the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible and commanded the destroyer HMS Nottingham and the Antarctic patrol ship HMS Endurance. His other ships have included a Hong Kong patrol vessel, three destroyers, a frigate and the Royal Yacht Britannia and have deployed him to every ocean and continent.
His active service includes operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia and Iraq. He has also been commander of British forces in the South Atlantic based in the Falkland Islands. Ashore he has held several senior appointments in the MoD, London and the Royal Navy and Royal Marine headquarters. He became the UK National Hydrographer and Deputy Chief Executive of the UKHO in the rank of Rear Admiral in 2006.
Ian is a Younger Brother of Trinity House, a Freeman of the City of London and Member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, the Institute of Directors, the Royal Institute of Navigation and the RNLI Council. His pastimes include dinghy sailing and golf and he has had work published as an amateur wildlife photographer.
