A senior fire controller’s work establishing Tomahawk missile certification in Australia has earned him a gold commendation.

Warrant Officer Loch Robertson, of the Naval Construction Branch, spearheaded the program for destroyers, and was recognised at the Capability Symposium on March 26.

Australian certification allows Navy to independently assure safe operation, maintenance and sustainment of Tomahawks as they are introduced.

Warrant Officer Robertson completed a two-week certification in the United States, where he understudied US Navy processes before being authorised to certify the system for Australia.

The training included documentation, procedures, access to US‑controlled networks and logistics.

“The process itself is very step-by-step – very similar to the technical audits we already conduct, just focused on a specific system rather than an entire ship,” Warrant Officer Robertson said.

“The key lesson is getting our people trained early and embedded with experienced operators before the capability is introduced.”

Tomahawk operators and maintainers currently train in the US, with two courses per year accommodating up to eight personnel per course. This includes separate streams for operators, managers, control officers and command personnel.

Warrant Officer Robertson started as an electronics technician in communications before transferring into fire control and progressing through senior combat systems maintenance roles.

His experience includes postings at the Maritime Warfare Centre, supporting weapons and combat system trials, and service as Fleet Fire Control Warrant Officer, where certification activities were part of his responsibilities.

Australia currently has two ships equipped with Tomahawk missiles, with a third expected as the capability grows.

Warrant Officer Robertson’s work was recognised with a gold commendation presented to him by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

“I was pretty shocked to be honest. It was completely unexpected,” Warrant Officer Robertson said.