Ship’s efforts ignored

I read with interest LCDR Aicholzer’s letter (April 22) regarding recognition of time served in Iraq, and the fact that there was some quibbling over which clasp they would receive.

No disrespect intended, but at least they will get some recognition for their effort.

In 1992-1993, HMAS Jervis Bay (AGT 203) acted as troop transport and logistics support for OP Solace - the UN sponsored response to Somalia.

The ship’s company has never received formal recognition (eg medals), even though they were arguably entering an area fraught with unknown dangers.

Tobruk followed two weeks after Jervis Bay first sailed, and spent the requisite 30 days in the AO, steaming off the African coast, and were awarded an ASM.

Jervis Bay, because of the nature of her duties, sailed in and out twice and did not spend the time needed for the ASM award.

I have written to Honours & Awards previously on this issue and was told the Navy awards were being looked at. That was nearly three years ago, and yet nothing has been done.

I think it disgraceful that an entire ship’s company, and the effort they put in has been ignored for very close to a decade, and will probably never be recognised.

LCDR Sue Cunningham Canberra, ACT

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