HMAS Melbourne Crew Awarded for JTF 633

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Julian Brett, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Darren Smith, Petty Officer (PO) Genevieve Richardson and PO Michael Watkins were awarded Silver Commendations.

Bronze Commendations were awarded to LCDR Tristan Radford, Lieutenant Liam Catterson, PO Andrew Childs, Leading Seaman Yu Su, and Able Seaman (AB) Jason Duvall.

The awards were presented by Commodore Braddon Wheeler, Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 who congratulated the recipients and said it was not just individuals who made a team work.

“This has been a very high-performing team and everyone should be proud of their efforts in their deployment,” he said.

“HMAS Melbourne has a great reputation within the Combined Maritime Forces and the work that has been done during Operation Manitou has been tremendous.”

“The professionalism and skills shown is key to making Navy and the Australian Defence Force better in the future.”

Lieutenant (LEUT) Liam Catterson, was awarded a Bronze Commendation and the main points of his certificate were his diligent work and attention to detail as a consummate professional.

LEUT Catterson said it was humbling to be recognised with a commendation and noted the hard work performed by everyone in the Ship’s Company during the past six months.

“It was a long deployment, but it was also enjoyable to be a part of a successful tour,” he said.

“We have been kept busy, but it feels like we have made a difference.”

LEUT Catterson has three main roles aboard Melbourne.

As Special Sea Dutyman Officer of the Watch, he is responsible for bringing the warship alongside and providing oversight for junior members of the bridge team.

LEUT Catterson also coordinates the training for damage control and fire-fighting exercises onboard as the Assistant Damage Control Training Officer to help the ship survive combat damage at sea.

In his role as the Assistant Principle Warfare Officer he provides direct support to the Principle Warfare Officers in the operational environment.

LEUT Catterson said the highlights of the deployment were the boardings and success of the drug interdictions.

“It was also a highlight to watch everyone grow as a team during the past 18 months and be awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup,” he said.

“Our biggest challenge is maintaining focus for the long period away from home, especially during the Christmas season.”

AB Duvall was awarded his commendation for his outstanding devotion to duty, enthusiasm and reliability while conducting his core role as the Ship’s Registry Clerk and his ancillary responsibilities including boarding parties and the Ship’s Emergency Medical Team.

He said his commendation was a reflection upon his supervisor, PO Richardson, who was a great mentor in the registry and the rest of the Ship’s Company who worked well together in the successful operation.

“We have done a good job,” he said.

AB Duvall said it was fulfilling to be part of Melbourne’s boarding party because it gave him a chance to see how Operation MANITOU made a difference.

“It is sometimes hard to change the mindset from my normal role of customer service to the complete opposite during boarding parting missions, searching for illegal narcotics,” he said.

“It has been a long trip, but I have made some great friends and had a good time with the crew.”

CPO Mark Baldwin and AB Callum Wirth are also recipients of Bronze Commendations and will be presented their awards upon arrival in Australia.