Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 3 2009/CJTF 633 Visit and Medal Presentation
The Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General Mark Kelly, AO, has made many trips to Toowoomba during our deployment. None was more important than his last visit, where he had the opportunity to present the Australian Active Service Medal and “ICAT” Clasp to personnel onboard. ICAT is the acronym for International Coalition against Terrorism.
Arriving in style by flying out to the Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz, after a short tour he embarked in the ships Helicopter and transited to Toowoomba. He spent 36 hours onboard as we made way to our last port of Jebel Ali in the UAE.
On Sunday the 08th November, each Department gathered throughout the day where the General gave a short address of thanks and then presented the medals by pinning them to the left breast pocket.
The smiling faces of the recipients said it all, of just how proud they were to be receiving such a significant personal recognition for the sacrifices they have made during this deployment.
Major General Kelly stated “that the Australian Honours and Awards system has evolved to such an extent that our servicemen and women can receive their medals before they go home, it is truly an honour to present to you today, your active service medal's and ICAT Clasps”.
During his stay Major General Kelly also attended a church service on the Gun Direction Platform, where the ships Chaplain, Steve Gunther, held a special service of remembrance in recognition of our operational time coming to an end.
A Commendable Effort
During his visit to Toowoomba, CJTF 633, Major General Mark Kelly, AO, had the opportunity to present a number of ADF Bronze and Silver commendations. These commendations were to recognise individual efforts by personnel whose contribution to the ship has been noteworthy and of vital importance to achieving the mission.
The Commanding Officer also presented Commendations to personnel whose efforts to the whole of ship achievements have also been a stand-out for the duration of the deployment.
Those awarded were;
CJTF Silver Commendation:
LCDR Michael Slattery, For his outstanding performance as in support of HMAS Toowoomba.
LEUT Jonathan Beatty, for his outstanding duties as Navigating Officer.
POMT Dane Field, for outstanding performance as the Petty Officer of Propulsion Systems.
LSPT Nicole Gunthorpe, for outstanding contribution in her role as a Physical Trainer.
CJTF Bronze Commendations:
CPOMT Andrew Bowering, for outstanding performance as the I/C of Platform Systems.
POMT Raymond White, for outstanding performance as the Petty Officer of Auxiliary Systems.
LSCK Darrin Eslick, for his exceptional contribution to catering and food services.
Flight 3 Aviation Maintainers, for their outstanding aviation engineering and maintenance achievements.
Commanding Officers Commendations:
LEUT Stephen Hill, for duties as the intelligence officer.
POET David Horton, for his performance as Combat Systems Maintenance Manager.
LSET Adam Baskett, for his commitment to whole ship activities for the betterment of morale and welfare on-bard.
LSCSO Oliver Stojanovski, for the great commitment and professionalism as a Combat Systems Operator.
ABET Glen Aherns, for his professional and technical achievements in the WE02 Section.
ABMT Scott Byrne, for his dedication and professionalism towards his duties as Tanky.
ABET Samantha Whitfield, for extraordinary enthusiasm to wholeship activities and various ships committees.
ABBM Dean Jarzabek, for outstanding performance of his duties as a Boatswains Mate in the conduct of gunnery and seamanship evolutions.
HMAS Toowoomba Cooks, for their exceptional contribution and diligent service to the Ships Company.
Logistic Support Element—Middle East, For their support to HMAS Toowoomba.
Congratulations' and Well Done to all recipients.
