CDRE Nigel Perry addresses the PWO’s at their graduation ceremony at HMAS Watson.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

November was not only the running of the Melbourne Cup but also a quadrella for LEUT Peter Behrendt, who, from a field of 12 PWO’s, scooped all four awards of the Principal Warfare Officers Course 35 graduation at HMAS Watson.

LEUT Behrendt was presented by VADM David Leach Retd with the Saint Barbara Association Certificate for best results in practical gunnery.

The VADM himself had completed the Gunnery Long Course at Portsmouth 50 years ago and commissioned the West Head Gunnery Range in Victoria in 1958.

Former COSMC and now President of NWOA, CDRE Brian Robertson Retd, then awarded LEUT Behrendt with the Naval Warfare Officers’ Association Certificate for the highest marks in warfare theory.

His next prize was the Sydney- Emden Award for the highest standards of achievement for the common component of the PWO course.

“Leadership is a heavy burden to carry,” said guest of honour, CDRE Nigel Perry, COSMC, who presented the award. “It may be the difference between life and death at sea.”

The final award for LEUT Behrendt was the presentation of the Sword of Excellence by Dr Paul Scully-Power, Chief Technical Officer for Tenix Defence.

The sword is sponsored by Tenix and is presented to the PWO officer who achieves the highest standards overall out of two consecutive PWO courses.

“I’m glad the six month intensive course is over,” said a jubilant LEUT Behrendt, who will join HMAS Westralia as the navigation officer.

CDRE Perry also presented PWO badges to the 12 recipients including LCDR Brian Schlegel who joined the RAN as a Junior Recruit in 1983, and LEUT Catherine Gordon.

“Welcome to the PWO fraternity. Wear your warfare badge with pride,” said CDRE Perry.

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