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Two officers of the Royal Navy hailing from Caerphilly County Borough have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Among those singled out on the Operational Honours and King’s Birthday Honours lists is a sailor who has reduced the risk of the entire submarine fleet from being detected by the enemy.

Petty Officer Matthew Connick, of Bedwas, is made an MBE for demonstrating “innovation and vision” by developing and coding communications software – entirely in his own time – that reduces the time Royal Navy submarines spend at periscope depth.

Submarines are stealthy, operating in deep water and by his innovation he has reduced the amount of time the submarine remains at Periscope Depth and therefore reducing the risk of counter detection.

In the words of his citation: “The implications of his efforts are far reaching and have considerable benefits on the effectiveness of the Submarine Flotilla – most notably for nuclear powered attack submarines operating in high-threat environments.”

The honour comes a year after his late father – the Falklands veteran Denzil Connick – was awarded the BEM.

Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Oldridge received an MBE on the King’s Birthday Honours list for her time as the Marine Engineering Officer on HMS Medway.

It was her first appointment in charge of an engineering department and she “acted as the catalyst for positive change at all levels and was instrumental to HMS Medway’s ability to deliver operational tasking in the Atlantic”.

“When I was told, I was in complete shock and a little speechless,” the 42-year-old from Britannia, Pengam, said.

“Now it has sunk in, I feel extremely honoured to have been recognised for this award and I feel very proud.

“My time on Medway has been the highlight of my career so far. During my time as Marine Engineering Officer the ship was supporting humanitarian and counter illicit trafficking operations, assisting British Overseas Territories after a hurricane and doing a drugs bust.

“We also operated in the South Atlantic, Falklands and we were lucky enough to visit South Georgia too.

“All of this was only possible with the tireless efforts of my department, who provided an exceptionally high level of availability and professionalism.”

Lt Cdr Oldridge, who joined the Royal Navy in 2004 as an Artificer Apprentice, said her family have been a great support during her time serving. She added she was looking forward to telling them.

“My family and friends will be ecstatic,” she said. “My parents have supported me throughout my naval career and my desire to join the Royal Navy; and my wife Helen, whose support has been unbelievable and I couldn’t do it without her support at home.”