The Members of the RANCDA congratulate their fellow Frogmen on the recognition of achievement in the Queens Birthday Honours List.
Commendation for Conspicuous Service
POCD Kevin Paul (BCD60) For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Chief Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Training Advisor of the Afghan National Police Central Training Centre during Operation HIGHROAD. Petty Officer Paul significantly improved the level of training and resultant operational capability of Afghan Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Defeat operators. His engagement and mentoring of senior leadership, the implementation of enhanced training facilities and methodologies and the wider gender integration within the capability, have increased the Afghan ability to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices.
Conspicuous Service Cross
Commander Simon Cannell (CDO 1995) For outstanding achievement and devotion to duty in the field of maritime warfare capability development. Commander Cannell has shown outstanding drive and personal accountability in his leadership of the Fleet Cross-force Capability Division and has delivered new capability to the Fleet. He has taken a complex and previously moribund role and made it an engine room for operational effectiveness thereby driving critical enhancements to Navy capability and the safety of Navy’s people.
Commander Andrew Pepper (CDO 2005) For outstanding devotion to duty as the Executive Officer HMAS Melbourne.Commander Pepper’s energetic leadership and outstanding devotion to duty were critical to HMAS Melbourne’s success in 2014 and 2015, including the ship being awarded the Navy’s highest annual unit award and its performance on Operation MANITOU. His innovative improvements to damage control training and the development of new procedures for boarding teams have made a significant contribution to units conducting pre-work up training and on operations.