Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer David 'Dave' Allman has died

David 'Dave' Allman's passing was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today (Tuesday, July 9).

Well known for his 'kind, generous and extremely personable nature making him liked by all he worked with', he had just completed 22 years' service and accepted another three years' extension. 

With extensive Type 42 experience, Dave joined the Forward Support Unit (FSU) organisation in Bahrain in 2018 and on completion of four years on the deployment cycle, became an original, founding member of the Portsmouth based FSU A 03 when the new unit was established three years ago.

In the MoD statement, Dave was described as "an integral part of the fledgling unit’s success. Always a constant source of knowledge and experience he has been big part of the office fixtures and fittings from its very start.

"Dave occupied the always busy and often thankless position of CPO Fridges with professionalism and without complaint".

Throughout his tenure with FSU 03 he was regularly deployed around the world including the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Jax Beach Florida and most recently Bahrain.

He also travelled 'many miles' around the UK in the cab of an HGV lorry whilst conveying FSU A containers to where they were required. This usually entailed long drives, through the wilderness of Scotland in support of Exercise Joint Warrior.

He leaves behind his parents, wife of three years, three children and his two stepchildren who were described in a Ministry of Defence statement as 'incredibly proud of his naval service'.

A family tribute to the 46-year-old-read: "Dave was a loving husband, my best friend and my soulmate, we had three beautiful years married together, he was a loving son to his mum Margie and a loving brother to his sister Debbie who used to keep him in check once in a while.

"Dave was a kind-hearted and funny dad and stepdad to all his children and recently became a grandpa to which he was so excited and proud to have become.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him, together we have memories that will last forever we all miss you dearly, forever in our hearts."

Dave was an 'earnest and serious man who took great personal satisfaction from doing jobs well. He was both respected and respectful'.

In the MoD statement, he was described as 'always willing to help his friends and was happy to amend his own plans to do so. He had a dry sense of humour with an infectious smile'.

The statement continued "He liked a drink at a social but never let it go too far and could always be relied upon to look after and care for those that had. Dave's time away from work was generally spent with his family and he took quiet pride and fulfilment from his home life.

"An avid Liverpool FC fan, he was also said to have had a deep passion for motorbikes, a community to which he was said to have 'contributed massively'.

"He will be missed by his family and his many, many friends."

Commanding Officer of the Forward Support Unit (FSU) Commander Albert Radcliffe, MSc CMarEng IMarEST, RN said: "Dave's achievements across the FSU community have been universally acknowledged.

"A long-standing member of the FSU, Dave was a highly capable CPO, a consummate engineer and leader with his deep technical expertise.

"He exuded every attribute for success. Dave demonstrated on numerous occasions he was an adept engineer who took pride in his work and delivered true engineering effect.

"He was an asset to FSU and the Royal Navy as a whole, ensuring repairs and defects were actioned quickly, constantly supporting the Ship’s teams to diagnose and assist with repairs in a timely manner. Improving equipment performance, reliability and enabling Ships to achieve their operational commitments".

Commander Radcliffe continued: "Dave’s engineering prowess and skillset, notably with solving refrigeration defects whilst employed within FSU 03 were not limited to supporting the MCM community but spread across all SURFLOT units.

"Delivering engineering support globally, he was always keen to support Ships during maintenance periods, both in home waters and deployed, with recent supporting Ships operating in the Falkland Island, Mediterranean and America.

"A team player, his leadership, initiative, passion for the role and the development of the junior members of the team was a strength.

"He constantly supported the personal and professional development of junior engineers, taking the time to coach and mentor them, conveying his knowledge and experience which allowed the more junior members of the team to grow and realise their true potential, which I’m sure all members of the team were extremely grateful of his support.

"A fine engineer, leader and manager, Dave will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

“'Fair wind and following seas' to a talented engineer. RIP Dave".