CYPnaval 2015 Conference e-Booklet enhancing the protection of Blue Economy | Page 23
Commander D Cartwright OBE RN
Royal Navy of United Kingdom
Commander Darren Cartwright joined the Royal Navy as a member of the Fleet Air Arm and having
completed flying training, qualified as a Anti-Submarine Observer flying the Sea King helicopter. He
then served in several front line Squadrons embarked in aircraft carriers and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships
which included two operational tours during the Balkans conflict. Commander Cartwright also
completed a tour as a Qualified Observer Instructor at RNAS CULDROSE.
Having transferred to a full career commission Commander Cartwright then qualified as a Officer of the
Watch whilst serving with the destroyer HMS SOUTHAMPTON and then undertook the Principal
Warfare Officers course. On successful completion of the course he served as the Operations Officer of
the frigate HMS RICHMOND which included several operational deployments for national contingency
operations.
Returning to flying he spent two very rewarding years at the Senior Observer and Squadron 2IC with
819 NAS in Prestwick, Scotland supporting global deployments and the Squadron’s search and rescue
role.
Commander Cartwright has commanded two Offshore Patrol Vessels (HMS ALDERNEY and HMS
SEVERN) as well as the Fishery Protection Squadron.
Most recently Commander Cartwright has been in Joint appointments, having completed two PJHQ
tours (Op TELIC) and two periods with the Afghan CCT in the Operations Directorate (Op HERRICK). His
time in the MOD included two fascinating years as MA to the Defence Senior Advisor Middle East,
operating at the military and political strategic level.
Commander Cartwright joined the Navy Commitments team in Apr 14 and his Maritime Security
portfolio includes UK Resilience and Operations on behalf of Commander Operations (COMOPS) as well
as the Navy Command commitment to maritime CT, working closely with OGDs and Agencies.
In his spare time Commander Cartwright enjoys sailing and has recently taken up road cycling in an
effort to keep fit.