WARM WELCOME: CAPT (then CMDR) Phil Spedding receives a hug from one of his daughters after spending six-months in the Persian Gulf.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

By ABPH Kade Rogers

CAPT Philip Spedding OAM can add the letters DSC to his name after being cited on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for “inspirational leadership during a suicide boat attack” in the Persian Gulf on April 24 last year.

CAPT Spedding was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Stuart during a terrorist attack on the two oil terminals, Kwahr Al Amaya and Al Basra.

LS Adam Hampshire, who expertly manoeuvred Stuart’s RHIB during the rescue of the injured and LCDR Jodi Bailey, Stuart’s medical officer who took charge of the casualties, were each awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for their involvement in the action that day.

“Two of the first three patients were seriously injured and they were managed in the wardroom by the ship’s medical emergency team. One of the guys was later declared deceased,” LCDR Bailey said.

These three personnel join 22 other members of the RAN who were named on this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The Australian honours system represents the highest level of recognition that can be accorded for outstanding achievement and service in national life.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

LCDR Jodi Bailey
For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Medical Officer of HMAS Stuart during combat rescue operations in the Persian Gulf on April 24, 2004.

LS Adam Hampshire
For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Coxswain of HMAS Stuart’s emergency boat during combat rescue operations in the Persian Gulf on April 24, 2004.

LCDR Terence Morrison
For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Commander of the Australian Detachment to the Iraqi Coastal Defence Force Training Team during Operation Catalyst.

LEUT Darryl Humphreys
For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Helicopter Pilot and aircraft Captain during combat rescue operations in the Persian Gulf on April 24, 2004.

LCDR Anthony Powell
For distinguished performance of duties to the Royal Australian Navy as Commander of the Royal Australian Navy Detachment to the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team in 2004.

Conspicuous Service Cross

LCDR Abigail Bradshaw
For outstanding achievement in the remuneration of Australian Defence Force personnel.

CDRE Michael Deeks
For outstanding achievement as Commander Australian Navy Submarine Group and Senior Naval Officer Western Australia.

PO Alfonso Santos
For outstanding achievement as a Recruit Instructor and Sexual Offence Support Person at the RAN Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus.

CMDR Simon Gregg
For outstanding achievement as the Fleet Executive Officer with the Major Fleet Unit Sea Training

Unit.

Conspicuous Service Medal

CPO Christopher Chamberlain
For outstanding service as the Whole Ship Coordinator in HMAS Arunta.

LEUT Lorinda Carlin
For outstanding service as the Deputy Supply Officer, HMAS Tobruk.

WO Paul Darcey
For outstanding service as the Course Implementation Officer, Royal Australian Navy Diving School.

LS Sebastion Fichera
For outstanding service as the Second Engineer aboard HMAS Betano.

CPO Justin Mansell
For outstanding service in support of operational capability as the Marine Technician sailors’ career manager at the Directorate of Sailors’ Career Management.

 

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