Awards mark Nias event

PLAQUES: RADM Davyd Thomas (second from left) awards the Maritime Commander’s Commendations to (from left) LSPH Bill Louys, LCDR Angus Mitchell, LEUT Kathryn McCabe, Warramt Officer Class Two Richard Hardy and CPO Morrie Jeppesen. Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

Volume 49, No. 16 , September 07, 2006

Maritime Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas has acknowledged the efforts of the RAN personnel who worked hard to ensure the first anniversary of the Sea King accident was a fitting tribute to the nine ADF heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty.

RADM Davyd Thomas recently commended LCDR Angus Mitchell, LEUT Kathryn McCabe and CPO Writer Morris Jeppesen for their role in Op Peringatan, which involved ferrying 28 of the deceased’s next of kin and some 50 ADF personnel to the crash site at Tuindrau village.

Op Peringatan, which is Indonesian for “remembrance”, was the dedication and memorial service held on the Indonesian island of Nias on April 2, 2006 to mark the first anniversary of the fatal crash of Sea King Shark 02 during the Op Sumatra II relief effort.

LCDR Mitchell was commended for his exceptional performance in the planning, coordination and execution of Operation Peringatan.
RADM Thomas said the operation was highly challenging and complex, thoroughly testing LCDR Mitchell’s substantial diplomatic and organisational skills.
“His planning, tactful consultation with local and national officials, and his proactive liaison with many different agencies were vital to ensuring successful execution of the arrangements within Indonesia,” he said.

LCDR Kathryn McCabe was acknowledged for her drive, dedication to duty and professionalism while supporting the recovery of Shark 02 after its accident on Nias Island in April 2005.
RADM Thomas said LEUT McCabe worked tirelessly in assisting with the preparation, deployment and support of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Team, the recovery of Shark 02 and the crash site remediation on Nias Island.

“Regularly working 18-hour days for the duration of the tasking and with little policy or precedent to guide her, LEUT McCabe’s unstinting dedication, expertise and energy were exemplary,” he said.
CPO Writer Morris Jeppesen was commended for his outstanding drive, dedication, and professionalism in the planning and execution of Operation Peringatan.
Two officers also commended for outstanding dedication and contribution to the success of Operation Peringatan were Director of Organisational Culture, CMDR Carmel Barnes, and LEUT Jillian Brownlie, Manager of Navy programs and Events.

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