Recognising Local Accomplishments at HMAS Cerberus

Fifty seven Navy members were recognised for significant milestones in their careers during a Promotions and Awards Ceremony held at HMAS Cerberus recently. Executive Officer HMAS Cerberus, Commander Mike Oborn, RAN, presented 46 Operational Service Medals (OSM) and an assortment of promotion certificates and long service clasps, before an audience of ship’s company and family.

CMDR Oborn encouraged everyone to honour the achievements of all the recipients and to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s important for us all to acknowledge the achievements of these men and women,” CMDR Oborn said.

“Every day our Navy people are striving to uphold our Signature Behaviours and Values, performing difficult tasks often under difficult conditions. Today we recognise the commitment of these 57 people who have, in various ways, made Navy proud. In turn, we should be proud of them.”

With 57 award recipients it was one of the largest Promotions and Awards Ceremonies held at Cerberus in recent times. Several new Trainee Sailors were awarded a Bravo Zulu for performing unpleasant tasks while showing care and compassion for their fellow shipmates during an illness outbreak, while at the other end of the scale, one member was awarded his fourth clasp of the Defence Long Service Medal, signifying 35 years of Service to the RAN.

Of particular note were the 46 members who received the OSM for Border Protection Operations. The OSM was established in May 2012 to recognise the service in military operations of ADF members and civilians.

In a signal released on 20 July 2012, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN, welcomed the introduction of the Border Protection OSM.

“One of the most important aspects of this new award is that it will recognise those members of the ADF who have been involved in Border Protection operations since 1997 and those who continue to be involved through Operation RESOLUTE. This is a significant outcome for thousands of Navy personnel who have been protecting Australian sovereignty under hazardous conditions for a number of years now. Navy men and women have been exposed to the extremes of weather and environment, from the deep southern ocean to the tropical north. They have been exposed to the desperate and the vulnerable, to criminal behaviour, to health risks and sometimes armed opposition.”

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Press Release, August 7, 2013; Image: Navy