Daniel engineers sword award

Winner of the HMAS Leeuwin Trust Fund Sword for 2002, SBLT Daniel LeRaye.

By Annie Casey

The Royal Australian Navy’s SBLT Daniel LeRaye, a submarine trainee at HMAS Stirling, has won the HMAS Leeuwin Trust Fund Sword for 2002.

Daniel was assessed as the winner of the HMAS Leeuwin sword due to his outstanding academic results, professionalism, maturity and clear judgement during his Marine

Engineer Officer Application Course (MEAC) at HMAS Cerberus.

Daniel is a 22-year-old Australian Defence Force Academy graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He was presented with the sword by CMDE Michael Deeks, the Australian Navy Submarine Group Commander, at a ceremony during the opening of the Future Submarine Technology Conference at HMAS Stirling.

“Daniel displays a mature and easy-going though positive nature, coupled with a high level of motivation and will to succeed,” said CDRE Deeks.

“He demonstrates the potential to excel as a marine engineer officer with a well-rounded personality. His behaviour, bearing, intellect, loyalty and ability to inspire others supports a dedication to succeed and fulfil his commitment to the culture and traditions of the RAN.”

Daniel is currently attending the Submariner Officer Training Course, at HMAS Stirling, finishing in April.

“Although training has been lengthy it has become more focussed towards my immediate goal to become a marine engineer, specifically serving in submarines,” said Daniel.

“I am looking forward to a probable posting to HMAS Sheean and subsequently gaining my submarine qualification.”

Following this he will be at sea gaining his Marine Engineering Certificate of Competence before being awarded his charge and qualifying for his career aspiration as a Submarine Marine Engineering Officer.

As a marine engineering officer, Daniel will be the technical authority on board ship, responsible for the ship’s structures, propulsion systems, electrical generation and distribution plus domestic and associated mechanical services. Additional responsibilities include the main and auxiliary machinery, engines, control and monitoring systems, hydraulics, air conditioning and refrigeration, ventilation systems and electrical power generation and conversion equipment.

The HMAS Leeuwin Trust Fund supports the purchase of the sword on a biennial basis. In alternate years, the sword known as the Chief of Navy Sword, is awarded.

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