Leading Seaman Marine Technician Bianca Ridley was recently awarded the HMAS Westralia POMT Shaun Damian Smith Perpetual Shield by Commodore Training, CDRE Michael Noonan at a Clear Lower Deck Fleet Support Unit – West held on Tuesday 30 April 2013.
Also in attendance to assist with the presentation of the award were POMT Smith’s parents, Brian and Pamela Smith.
The HMAS Westralia POMT Shaun Damian Smith Perpetual Shield is awarded annually to the most outstanding Marine Technical sailor to have completed the Senior Technicians Course (STC) throughout the calendar year.
The course is conducted at Naval Technical Training Units East and West and is designated as a promotional prerequisite for all technical sailors identified for promotion to Petty Officer.
The naming of this shield honours the memory of POMT Smith, who along with three other shipmates paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation whilst serving aboard HMAS Westralia on 5 May, 1998. The award is administered by the Engineering Faculty at HMAS Cerberus on behalf of Commodore Training.
LS Ridley successfully completed STC Session 75 at NTTU-West, Leeuwin Barracks accumulating an average score of 96.74% across all disciplines.
Mr Brian Smith, father of the late POMT Smith gave praise to LS Ridley for her high academic achievement during the Clear Lower Deck.
“She is a worthy recipient for this award,” he said.
“I encourage her to continue to excel in her chosen career path in the Navy.”
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Press Release, May 15, 2013; Image: Australian Navy