Coined praise

TOP BRASS: RADM Bill Goodwin congratulates ABMT Ben Zillman and LSET Martin Petraitis for receiving US commemorative medallions during RIMPAC 06

.Photo: ABPH Paul Berry

Volume 49, No. 15, August 24, 2006

By MIDN Ben Power

Two HMAS Manoora sailors have returned from Hawaii with more than just fond memories of Exercise RIMPAC 06.

LSET Martin Petraitis and ABET Benjamin Zillman were presented with commemorative medallions by RADM Bill Goodwin, Commander of the United States Navy Third Fleet, during the multi-national multi-threat exercise.
“I feel extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to meet the Admiral, and I will never forget how I felt when he walked into my workplace and turned straight towards me,” said LSET Petraitis.

LSET Petraitis was recognised for maintaining the Close-In Weapons System onboard Manoora and ABET Zillman was commended for his role as acting leading seaman in the high power electrical workshop.

The divisional officer to both sailors, LEUT Gary Crawford, said, “Since both of their arrivals onboard, they have been excellent role models to their peers.

“They are always thinking one step ahead and ready for the worst. “Their dedication and hard work is much deserving of these awards.”

Earlier onboard Manoora, CO CMDR Charles McHardie presented ABBM Treyna Vale with the Systems Commander Quarterly Contribution Award for her outstanding performance supporting ships during exercises Ocean Protector and TASMANEX in Port Services, Sydney.

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