Awarded for outstanding performance in the operation of airborne or space systems, manned or unmanned.
(amended Terms of Reference 2019)
Captain (formerly WO2) Jansen's unparalleled technical and tactical knowledge of the Watchkeeper RPAS, coupled with his exceptional operational skills and dedication to advancing operational capabilities, make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Capt Jansen's proficiency in the operation of the Watchkeeper RPAS is unmatched. His comprehensive understanding of the system, from its technical intricacies to its operational capabilities, has been instrumental in enhancing the 47 Regiment’s operational effectiveness and readiness. Capt Jansen's expertise has been a critical enabler in establishing groundbreaking new flying locations in the UK during Op DEVERAN (the MOD support to the Home Office monitoring of migrant crossings of the English Channel), two new locations in the USA, Oman and the live fire integration with attack helicopter as well as Estonia in support of Op CABRIT. Each deployment has continually showcased his ability to adapt to diverse environments and excel in challenging operational settings. Each of these deployments has achieved mission success because of his direct input to both the planning and execution phases.
Beyond his technical prowess, Capt Jansen's in-depth knowledge of operating procedures and regulations for the Watchkeeper RPAS sets him apart as a subject matter expert in his field. His meticulous attention to detail, understanding of safety protocols, and commitment to upholding operational standards have been instrumental in ensuring the safe and effective operation of the platform tailored to meet the operational requirements. Capt Jansen's dedication to continuous learning and staying abreast of evolving regulations, best practices and doctrinal developments reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and sound airmanship. This has positively impacted the RPAS support that 47 Regiment has provided to the Field Army and wider Defence outputs.
Furthermore, Capt Jansen's tactical acumen and passion for developing operational capabilities go beyond technical proficiency. His strategic thinking, innovative approach to mission planning and ability to anticipate and mitigate operational challenges have been instrumental in enhancing the Regiment's operational readiness and effectiveness. Capt Jansen's proactive leadership style, coupled with his ability to inspire and mentor his team, has fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the unit. Capt Jansen's commitment to advancing operational capabilities extends beyond technical flying to encompass a tactically focused approach to mission success. His emphasis on developing comprehensive operational strategies, fostering collaboration among team members and promoting a culture of innovation and excellence exemplifies his dedication to pushing the boundaries of operational excellence.
Capt Jansen's achievements and dedication continues to inspire others within the Regiment and beyond. His unparalleled knowledge of the Watchkeeper RPAS, combined with his commitment to innovation and excellence and dedication to advancing operational capabilities make him a highly deserving recipient for this award and, in recognition of exceptional expertise, leadership and outstanding performance in the operation of the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), Capt Jansen is awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy.
1931 Sir Francis Chichester
1932 Sqn Ldr Herbert and J L Hinkler Esq
1933 J A Mollison Esq
1934 not awarded
1935 E W Percival Esq
1936 Miss Jean Batten
1937 A S Wilcockson Esq
1938 D C T Bennett Esq
1940 - 1948 not awarded
1948/49 W H Crowther Esq, R B Tapp Esq, L R Ambrose Esq - QANTAS
1949/50 Captain P G Taylor
1951 not awarded
1950/51 Captain P G Taylor
1952 not awarded
1951/52 Captain P G Taylor
1952/53 Captains and Crew of Service Aircraft "Aries"
1953/54 Pilots and Navigators of Comet Fleet BOAC
1955 not awarded
1955/56 Captain J H Saffery and Pilots and Navigators of Hunting Aero Surveys on Antartic Expedition
1956/57 Sqn Ldr J H Lewis, Commanding the RAF Detachment Unit with the British Commonwealth Trans-Antartic Expedition
1957/58 Captain and Navigational Crews of the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment
1959/60 The Decca Navigator Company Limited
1961 not awarded
1961/62 G E Beck Esq and M Morgan Esq of Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co.
1962/63 Wg Cdr D F H Grocott
1964 - 1967 not awarded
1967/68 Wg Cdr E W Anderson
1969 - 1973 not awarded
1973/74 Flt Lt R M S Cook & Flt Lt R W Hardisty
1974/75 Flt Lt E G Candlish & Flt Lt J Vinales
1976 Not Awarded
1976/77 W P Robinson Esq
1977/78 The Royal Air Force Tanker Wing
1979 not awarded
1979/80 Captain G Vette & M Forsyth Esq
1981 - 1982 not awarded
1982/83 Cdr S C Thornewill RN
1984 - 1985 not awarded
1985/86 The Giotto Space Probe Navigation Team
1986/87 The Voyager Team
1988 not awarded
1988/89 Wg Cdr Raymond L Lomas RAF
1989/90 Peter Norvill Esq
1991 - 1994 not awarded
1994/95 Flt Lt J W Hendy
1995/96 Captain Alex Fisher
1996/97 Captain David Massy-Greene of QANTAS
1997/98 James C Lawson Esq
1998/99 Jon Johanson
1999/2000 Flt Lt David Wilson RAF
2000/01 Thomas Beverley Nichols
2001/02 Flt Lt Timothy Carr RAF
2002/03 Geoffrey Alan Burtenshaw
2003/04 33 Sqn RAF
2005 not awarded
2005/06 Sea King Mk7 Trials Team - Lt Cdr Tite RN, Lt Cdr Ling RN, Lt Cdr Smith RNR, Lt Cdr Richardson RN (retd)
2006/07 Boeing J0UCAS Programme X-45A
2007/08 815 Naval Air Squadron Training Team
2008/09 5 (AC) Sqn
2009/10 51 Sqn RAF
2010/11 Attack Helicopter Force ("UK Team Apache")
2011/12 Sqn Ldr J Jody McMeeking RAF
2012/13 Sqn Ldr Simon Mellor RAF
2013/14 3rd Special Operations Squadron USAF
2015 not awarded
2016 Royal Air Force UK Reaper Force
2017 British Antarctic Survey Air Unit
2018 700X NAS
2019 The Tornado GR Force
2020 not awarded
2021 The Royal Air Force Sentinel Force
2022 The Royal Air Force E-3D Sentry Force
2023 Captain John Roberts
2024 Air and Space Warfare Centre Protector Test Team
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