When ADV Reliant received a mayday call to rescue four German sailors from a yacht 100 nautical miles south of Fiji, Petty Officer Jack Bellingham sprang into action.

The yacht had lost its engine and rudder in heavy storms, leaving the crew helpless without any means of propulsion.

Petty Officer Bellingham successfully navigated his team on a rigid inflatable boat through high seas to save the stranded crew members, who had been adrift for 40 hours. 

“They were just drifting at the mercy of the seas before we got there,” he said.

“It was dusk and going into the night, which made it challenging to take their vessel under tow.

“It’s pretty miserable being wet and cold, so they were happy when we gave them a hot meal and a bed each.”

For these actions, alongside his dedication to training with Pacific partners and delivering regional aid, Petty Officer Bellingham received the Conspicuous Service Medal in the Australia Day honours list.

Much of this work was conducted under Operation Solania, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to Pacific maritime surveillance.

Petty Officer Bellingham spent 18 months delivering disaster-relief supplies to more than 10 nations.

'It’s a huge honour, but it was a whole-of-ship effort. Seeing the difference we made – whether it was a rescue at sea or providing the tools to help them protect their own waters.'

He managed the delivery of humanitarian stores and international cargo across various diplomatic clearances, and ensured the vessel was strategically positioned during monsoon and cyclone seasons.

He also provided training to local police in maritime boarding operations and tactical techniques, as well as coordinating the delivery of fire trucks and water supplies to remote islands. 

“We were upskilling their forces in boat handling and boarding techniques to strengthen regional security,” he said.

Petty Officer Bellingham said by mentoring local forces and maintaining a semi-permanent presence at sea, his work ensured Pacific nations were better equipped to manage their own maritime security and emergency responses.

“It’s a huge honour, but it was a whole-of-ship effort. Seeing the difference we made – whether it was a rescue at sea or providing the tools to help them protect their own waters,” Petty Officer Bellingham said.

During this time, he met with village elders, presidents and kings.

“These personal connections allowed me to see firsthand how Australia's support fostered trust and cooperation across the island nations,” he said.

For Petty Officer Bellingham, the moments were a reminder that his work was about much more than just security – it was about building lasting friendships.

“I was very lucky to have my naval liaison officer. He gave me the autonomy to lead my team and the confidence to execute these difficult manoeuvres in the middle of the ocean,” he said.

“Having a leader who trusts your skills when the pressure is on makes all the difference in a high-stakes environment like the Pacific.

“It was a great opportunity to travel the south-west Pacific and make a difference in people’s lives.”