Well kept secret July 24, 2000 CDRE Les Pataky Commander Australian Navy Surface Combatant Force Element Group Manager, CDRE L. N. Pataky, was a little puzzled when SCFEG BPRM, CMDR T. Steward, invited him to the office the SCFEG were temporarily occupying. Completely unbeknown to CDRE Pataky waiting for him in the office were AVM R.B. Treloar, Commander Australian Theatre, ASTJIC staff and SCFEG staff. CDRE Pataky was presented with a commendation for the work he performed while the Commander of the Australian Theatre Joint Intelligence Centre from November 17 1997 to January 11 2000. In particular, CDRE Pataky's excellent leadership skills in a demanding, uncompromising environment, the excellent support provided by ASTJIC to a succession of operations culminating in Operation Warden and that the effectiveness of ASTJIC during a period of greatly increased tempo of activities were commended. In the Commodore's thank-you reply he said the commendation was a complete and unexpected surprise and that the recognition of his work was also a reflection of the professional and dedicated staff he had working with him during his command.