Devotion lands commendation

CPO Richard Lennards, with his Maritime Commander’s Commendation. Photo: ABPH Yuri Ramsey

A member of the ship’s company of the coastal minehunter, HMAS Huon (LCDR Barry Jones) has received a Maritime Commander’s Commendation for “outstanding professionalism” and “devotion to duty.”

He is CPO Marine Technician Richard Lennards.

Head of the Minewarfare and Clearance Diving FEG, CAPT Steve McDowall, formally presented the award to him during a ceremony on the ship on October 28.

Huon was alongside HMAS Waterhen.

The citation related to the period December 2001 and March 2003 when CPO Lennards was the senior technical officer in Huon.

“During this period Huon has encountered a number of extremely challenging difficulties,” the award continued.
“Throughout these challenges CPO Lennards has shown outstanding qualities of professionalism, leadership, technical knowledge and devotion to duty.

“Of particular note has been his dedication to the Mine Hunter Coastal Class in raising and dealing with Class issues, for which Huon has been a lead indicator.

“The tenacity he displayed in supervising and overseeing the technical department of Huon through this difficult period has lead to significant improvements in Mine Hunter Coastal engineering and knowledge of the ship’s complex systems,” Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates wrote.

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