Striving for excellence
4 November 2010 By ABCIS Melanie Schinkel
Her ship’s company packed HMAS Newcastle’s (Commander Anthony Campbell) flight deck recently to witness Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, present Assistant Supply Officer, Lieutenant Shane Savy, with the revered Chief of Navy Sword.
A supply officer trainee on board Newcastle, LEUT Savy, 43, received the accolade at a ceremony held at Fleet Base East on August 27 for his outstanding academic results, professionalism, maturity and clear judgement during his Supply Officer Application Course (SOAC) at HMAS Cerberus (Captain Mark Hill).
LEUT Savy said he felt deeply honoured to be the 2009 recipient of the Chief of Navy Sword, which is awarded biennially to the overall dux of the junior non-warfare officers’ application courses.
“I was first informed I would receive the award by my then-CO, Commander Justin Jones, who received a signal,” LEUT Savy said.
“Runners up should also be recognised for their outstanding performances because they all strived to learn their jobs for a bright future in the Navy.
“The sword is mine to keep – I will always wear it with pride and the knowledge of academic recognition.”
A warrant officer steward changeover, LEUT Savy has served 26 years in the RAN and, since commissioning, has attained a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration from the University of Tasmania.
LEUT Savy said his long-term interests in business management led him to pursue a new career as a supply officer.
“I was seeking a more challenging career that included a variety of jobs and opportunities to further my sea time and military experience,” he said.
