Special bloke wins US merit medal

COMFLOT CDRE Matt Tripovich hands the Presidential Citation and Medal to CMDR Vern Dutschke as members of his new command look on. Photo by LSPH Damian Pawlenko.

By Graham Davis

Commander Vern Dutschke, the commanding officer of HMAS Melbourne is a “brilliant operational thinker” according to Commodore Flotillas, CDRE Matt Tripovich.

“He’s also a special bloke and made an impression on the US Navy.”

He sure did because the Secretary of the US Navy, Hansford Johnson, on behalf of President Bush, has presented CMDR Dutschke with a US Meritorious Service Medal.

CDRE Tripovich formally handed the medal to CMDR Dutschke during a Clear Lower Deck last month.

Most of Melbourne’s ship’s company attended as CDRE Tripovich read the citation accompanying the award and added his own praise.

CMDR Dutschke received the medal for work he did in the US prior to taking command of Melbourne.

The citation read, “for outstanding meritorious service as the Assistant Lead of the Sea Shield Warfare Innovation Development Team, Navy Warfare Development Command from January 2001 to December 2002.

“CMDR Dutschke’s unparalleled leadership, superior intellectual acumen and impressive conceptual development skills were essential to visualising the future of navy warfighting.

“CMDR Dutschke’s concept design within the Assured Access arena was the epitome of revolutionary transformation, ranging from penetrating insights into tactical stability and advanced technology to his conduct of experimentation in two major fleet battle experiments.”

The citation added, “CMDR Dutschke’s distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”

CMDR Dutschke, aged 40, now faces a new challenge as Melbourne’s CO.

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