ICAT service recognised

L–R RADM Robert Moeller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, Policy and Training US Navy, CMDR Simon Ottaviano and VCDF, VADM Russ Shalders who made the presentation.

CMDR Simon Ottaviano has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp in a ceremony in Hawaii. He received the award for his efforts with the International Coalition Against Terrorism.

CMDR Ottaviano was the Supply Officer in HMAS Manoora during her deployment to The Gulf in the first half of 2002.

During that period Manoora took part in the Maritime Interception Operations and was the command and control ship for the Commander of the Combined Maritime Interception Operations.

The commander is now on a two year posting to Hawaii where he is the RAN Liaison Officer to Commander/US Pacific Fleet. His wife Karen and their two daughters are with him. The family members, friends and US military personnel were present when the VCDF, VADM Russ Shalders, then visiting Hawaii, presented the medal and clasp to him.

• By LEUT Penni Buchanan

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