Former Australian Fleet ‘XO’ Awarded CSM in Queens Birthday Honours List

The next Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta, Commander David Landon, has been named as a recipient of the Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2014 Queens Birthday honours list this weekend.

The proud father of three from Sydney’s east is to be recognised for his achievement in the performance of duty as the Fleet Executive Officer at Navy Fleet Headquarters Australia.

Commander Landon said he didn’t expect such an honour and was surprised to be announced in the list.

“I am very humbled and honoured at being awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal,” Commander Landon said.

“As the Fleet Executive Officer the rewards come from observing a new ship’s company develop into a team, ready to tackle the next challenge”.

“As a part of the Navy’s sea training group, I was privileged to work with some of the most experienced and professional people in the service. My job was to help them work to the best of their abilities, during a very busy two years of work-up exercises on major fleet units.”

The award is not the first recognition of Commander Landon’s commitment to the Navy. In 2008 he received a Chief of Defence Force Commendation for his role as the Executive Officer of HMAS Toowoomba during Operation Catalyst.

“The deployment to the Middle East was the first for Toowoomba. We were tasked with protecting vital infrastructure and contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq,” Commander Landon said.

Currently living in Bondi Junction, Commander Landon has just completed his post graduate studies at the University of New South Wales and said he is now preparing for his first command posting.

“In December this year I will take over as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta,” Commander Landon said.

“It is something I have aspired to throughout my career and I would not be able to achieve without the loving support of my wife and children.”

The Conspicuous Service Medal, which will be presented to Commander Landon later this year, is given to those who show outstanding service or achievement in non-warlike situations.

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Press Release, June 9, 2014; Image: Australian Navy