Malia takes out Award for Best Marine Technical Sailor on Course
12 August 2010
POMT Malia Belleville was recently named the recipient of the HMAS Westralia-POMT Shaun Damien Smith Perpetual Shield for 2009.
The HMAS Westralia (II)-POMT Shaun Damien Smith Perpetual Shield is awarded annually to the most outstanding Marine Technical sailor to have completed the Senior Technicians Course throughout the calendar year. This course is conducted at Naval Technical Training Units East and West and is designated as a promotional prerequisite for technical sailors identified for promotion to Petty Officer.
The naming of this shield honours the memory of POMT Smith who, along with three other shipmates, paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation whilst serving aboard HMAS Westralia on the Fifth of May, 1998.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russell Crane with the assistance of Mr Brendon Smith, POMT Smith’s brother, presented the Shield to PO Belleville at HMAS Stirling (Captain Brett Dowsing).
POMT Belleville, who is currently serving in HMAS Ballarat (Commander Guy Blackburn) said it was an honour to receive the shield, given the amount of sailors who undertake the course.
The award is administered by the Engineering Faculty at HMAS Cerberus (Captain Mark Hill) on behalf of Commodore Training (Commodore Daryl Bates).
