The hard work and high standards produced by the crew of HMAS Huon (II) during 2012 under the leadership of LCDR Jace Hutchinson, was recognised yesterday, with the presentation of the Rushcutters Shield.
Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett and Commander Mine Hunter Patrol Boat Force Captain Bob Plath presented the Shield to the ship’s company alongside their homeport of HMAS Waterhen.
During 2012, Huon excelled in exercises, trials, administration and personnel management, producing outstanding results in both their Work Up and Unit Readiness Evaluation.
Huon also maintained a high tempo, exercising in MULGOGGER, KAKADU, undertook a South West Pacific deployment and performed well during Operation SOLANIA.
Following the presentation of the Rushcutters Shield, Commanding Officer Jace Hutchinson was individually recognised with a Queens Commendation for Valuable Service and the NATO Medal for Service on NATO Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya.
LCDR Hutchinson was appointed to the Mine Countermeasure Vessel, HMS Brocklesby in 2010 and deployed with the Royal Navy to as part of NATO Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR and was on the frontline working to protect Libyan civilians. As the senior Mine Warfare Officer, LCDR Hutchison led his team to locate targets nearly impossible to detect with sonar and personally dived on them in marginal conditions to neutralise them.
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Press Release, March 1, 2013