Meet ‘Scooby’ Plenty, Culdrose’s new second-in-command

There’s a fresh face in the Executive Department at RNAS Culdrose this week, though colleagues at the Helston air station have known him by another name for decades.

A handshake and a handover

Commander Richie Turrell has handed the role of executive officer at RNAS Culdrose to Commander Andrew Plenty, known throughout the Royal Navy by his childhood nickname ‘Scooby’. The pair were pictured shaking hands at the air station as the handover took place.

As executive officer, Andrew becomes the second in command at Culdrose. He now works directly for the commanding officer and oversees the Executive Department, following much the same path his predecessor took through the ranks.

“It’s a fantastic privilege to be the new executive officer,” Andrew said. “I started my naval journey at Culdrose and I’ve served here at every rank I’ve been in. In many ways I am the continuation of Commander Richie Turrell.

“I am looking forward to continuing the work in improving both the lived experience of our service personnel and, ultimately, to ensuring our capacity, readiness and support to the front line.”

From weather observer to second-in-command

Andrew’s military career began in 1993, when he joined as a naval airman second class meteorological and oceanographic observer. After basic training he came to the Royal Naval School of Meteorology and Oceanography at Culdrose, the same base he now helps to run. Postings at RNAS Yeovilton and Northwood followed, along with a deployment to the Adriatic in support of NATO operations in the former Yugoslavia.

He commissioned as an officer in 2001 and trained as an air traffic controller, spending further years back at Culdrose, including as senior air traffic control officer, known as SATCO. In 2011 he served as a flying control officer and SATCO aboard HMS Ocean, supporting operations during the conflict in Libya.

Roles at Navy Command Headquarters and Flag Officer Sea Training followed, along with a spell as officer commanding air traffic control at Culdrose. He was also the first SATCO of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. His most recent posting was at Naval Command, working on uncrewed air systems and air traffic management, before this week’s move into the Executive Department.

Still on the pitch

Away from flight decks and control towers, Andrew has spent years involved in Royal Navy football. He is currently vice-chair of the Royal Navy Football Association, having previously chaired Fleet Air Arm Football, and until recently chaired RNAS Culdrose Community Football Club.

📷Credit: RNAS Culdrose