Michael follows in Teddy’s footsteps

SMNBM Michael Cross receives the Ordinary Seaman Sheean Award from the CO of HMAS Cessnock, CMDR Matt Moncrieff.

By CMDR Matt Moncrieff

The Ordinary Seaman Sheean Award was established in 1986 to commemorate the gallant deeds of Ordinary Seaman “Teddy” Sheean, aged 19, who was killed in action during the loss of HMAS Armidale in 1942.

Teddy Sheean was subsequently Mentioned in Dispatches and a Collins class submarine has been named in honour of his actions.

The award is presented each year to the Boatswains Mate Sailor of Seaman rank who achieves the best results on course and who continues to maintain a high standard of dress, behaviour and service attitude during his or her next posting.

The award for 2002 has gone to SMNBM Michael Cross of HMAS Cessnock for his outstanding performance on category course and subsequently aboard Cessnock.

The CO of Cessnock, CMDR Matt Moncrieff, presented the award on behalf of HGCSS, CMDR Michael Murray, at a ceremony on board the boat on June 25.

The award consists of a monetary prize and a framed print of HMAS Armidale’s last action.

Along with the rest of Cessnock’s crew, Michael has had a busy first half of the year having been involved with the apprehension of nine illegal fishing vessels so far this year. These vessels were detected between the Gulf of Carpentaria across to Ashmore Island.

The ship has also been involved in providing support to Operation Relex II and conducted a visit to Gove to commemorate ANZAC Day.

In addition to being selected for this award, Michael has been selected to tour with the ADF Rugby League side to the UK at the end of the year. He is looking forward to this, as well as the remainder of his posting, where he aims to continue learning his trade - as well as improving his 500 playing skills.

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