Warrant Officer Kerrie-Anne Hammond has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal on Australia Day for her meritorious devotion to duty as Squadron Warrant Officer at 382 Squadron. The honour recognises her professional excellence and leadership grounded in authenticity and teamwork.

Much of Warrant Officer Hammond’s role occurs behind the scenes, but her influence is felt at all levels of the unit. Her ability to anticipate second and third-order effects and plan for contingencies has been critical to maintaining squadron cohesion and operational effectiveness.

Warrant Officer Hammond said she tries to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence, setting the standard for the unit and enabling aviators to take calculated risks without fear of failure. 

“Allowing yourself to remain vulnerable in the face of your team demonstrates that we really are one team and nothing is insurmountable,” she said.

“It is caring about each and every one of our squadron members, knowing who they are as individuals, not just as an aviator.”

'Allowing yourself to remain vulnerable in the face of your team demonstrates that we really are one team and nothing is insurmountable.'

Warrant Officer Hammond consistently applies this philosophy, particularly in high-pressure environments where her focus remains on supporting the squadron’s aviators.

“Early in my career, I was consistently asking myself if I was doing enough, if I was keeping up. As I have progressed through the ranks, I have come to learn that reinventing the doubt as opportunities to grow and learn has provided a platform for openings I could have otherwise missed,” she said.  

On learning of her award, Warrant Officer Hammond credited her executive team, describing the recognition as a collective achievement.

“Without the Commanding Officer’s professionalism, people-focused approach and unwavering support to myself and the unit, I don’t believe we could have achieved what we did as a squadron, and I would not have had the optimal platform to perform my role,” she said. 

While collaboration underpins effective teams, Warrant Officer Hammond’s individual skills and leadership prowess proved integral to 382 Squadron’s success in delivering first class and agile expeditionary airbase capabilities. Her Australia Day medal recognises these remarkable efforts. 

Since enlisting as a clerk supply, Warrant Officer Hammond has demonstrated that authenticity and service define meritorious achievement. She said she hopes her award inspires others by showing that national recognition is achievable through dedication to duty, regardless of rank or specialisation.