Sword falls on
Parra’s ex-XO

SHARP EDGE: The Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence award winner CMDR Justin Jones, with the Chairman of the Nelson Society WA branch, Michael Sargeant, and Nelson Society Founder Graham Perkins. Photo: ABPH Jarrad Oliffe

Volume 49, No. 20, November 02, 2006

By Michael Brooke

CMDR Justin Jones has been awarded the inaugural Vice Admiral Viscount Nelson KB Trafalgar Bicentennial Sword of Excellence in recognition of his leadership excellence as the XO of HMAS Parramatta during her Op Catalyst deployment.

CMDR Jones, who is currently CMDR Plans – MC JOC, told Navy News that it is extremely humbling to receive an award that carries Nelson’s name, and that much of the credit should go to the ship’s company of Parramatta.

“This award has inspired me to reflect on leadership and the importance and value of encouraging others to hone their leadership skills in the performance of duty,” he said.
Maritime Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas said CMDR Jones was selected from a number of highly competitive nominations.
“He fully meets the selection criteria, which include leadership, humanistic attributes, exceptional management and administrative capabilities, innovative tactical planning, and sea service,” RADM Thomas said.

“This he has demonstrated throughout his career but more recently whilst serving as XO, HMAS Parramatta.

RADM Thomas said CMDR Jones has shown the highest standards of professionalism and leadership in testing circumstances, and exemplary dedication to Parramatta and the RAN, “proving himself wholly worthy to receive the inaugural Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence”.

The Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence commemorates the enormous contribution that Nelson made to leadership and is awarded under the authority of the Chief of Navy on the recommendation of the Maritime Commander, to an officer of the RAN who displays leadership excellence.
CMDR Jones consistently demonstrated a first rate leadership style as the XO of HMAS Parramatta during her Op Catalyst deployment as head of the operations department, and crafted a most effective team using firm direction and energetic encouragement.

The Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence is held in perpetuity at HMAS Stirling and is displayed in a glass cabinet in the wardroom. Recipients have their name engraved on the blade of the specially made sword.

.