The National President of the Navy League of Canada announced on January 16th that Master Seaman Rebecca Charlesworth from HMCS MALAHAT in Victoria, British Columbia has been selected as the 2012 Lockheed Martin Centennial Award recipient. The award ceremony was attended by Mr. David Yates, National Vice President, The Navy League of Canada, the President of Lockheed Martin Canada, Rosemary J. Chapdelaine, and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Paul Maddison.
MS Charlesworth was selected as the recipient for 2012 due to her selfless dedication as a naval reservist and answer the call of duty whenever required. Her volunteer service included a 28 week deployment with OP ATHENA gaining international operational experience, and earning a General Campaign Star for her service in Flight Line Security. Her performance was noted as superior as she exemplified the kind of contribution sailors can make to a land campaign. Other volunteer operations in which MS Charlesworh participated are OP PODIUM and OP LUSTRE.
“This young woman exemplifies the highest ideals within the Canadian Forces and it is truly an honour to bestow this award on her today,” said Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Ron Buck, National President of the Navy League of Canada.
In addition to having her name included on the Centennial Cup, the award also comes with two $1,500 cheques in which MS Charlesworth selects a Military Family Resource Centre and a Navy League Branch to receive the donations.
The Lockheed Martin Canada Centennial Award was created in 2010 in partnership between The Navy League of Canada and Lockheed Martin Canada. The Canadian Navy Centennial Award was established to recognize excellence among junior non-commissioned personnel in the Royal Canadian Navy and his/her contribution to the quality of life in Canada’s Navy, as evidenced by their dedication, enthusiasm, and spirit of cooperation at sea and ashore.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 21, 2013; Image: HMCS MALAHAT