Bravery Recognised - Chief Petty Officer Gavin Stevens Received a Medal of Gallantry

On Anzac Day 2024, Chief Petty Officer Gavin Stevens graced the march, proudly adorned with his Medal for Gallantry, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. 

Yet, amidst the grandeur of this prestigious honour, Gavin remained grounded, attributing his achievements to the cherished bond of mateship. 

Celebrate the deep bond formed through adversity

His journey began with a youthful passion for diving, leading him to enlist in the Navy at the tender age of 19, embarking on a remarkable path as a clearance diver. 

Then, on the fateful day of April 24, 2003, after years of rigorous training in bomb disposal, fate bestowed upon him a real-life test of command prowess. 

“We were conducting what was meant to be a routine patrol in Iraq, but we soon discovered a 200kg bomb,” CPO Stevens said. 

 “The bomb was armed with acoustic, seismic and magnetic detectors, making any noise or vibration deadly.” 

Focusing on the job at hand, he began working on defusing the bomb with his team. 

“I told my command I was going to proceed and neutralise it,” CPO Stevens said.  

“I was going to place a counter charge close to it to basically blow it up.” 

Gavin calmly stripped down his gear, recalled his training, and disposed of the bomb within an hour, earning himself the Medal for Gallantry. 

“I’m extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award. I would like to extend my appreciation to all members of Clearance Diving Team Three 2003 and those who were on patrol that day,” CPO Stevens said.  

“I am proud to have served as a Navy clearance diver and acknowledge the service of all past and present members of the Navy.” 

Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, Deputy Chief of Navy, commended CPO Stevens for his selfless dedication to duty. 

“On behalf of the men and women of the Navy, we are immensely proud of the actions of CPO Gavin Stevens,” Rear Admiral Earley said.  

“His selfless courage in the service of our nation has assured the safety of others and is an example of the wonderful Australians we have serving in our Navy.” 

CPO Stevens will be officially honoured on May 22nd at his investiture ceremony by the Governor of New South Wales. 

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