Outstanding officers receive awards

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
IT is not about how good you think you are but how best you display excellence in your performance and commitment of duty, Defence Force Commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo says.
He said this when awarding this year’s recipients of the commander’s commendation.
The awards were presented to Lt Col Ian Ford of the Australian Defence Force, PNGDF director of supply Lt Albert Palauwa, Lt Commander James Carrol of HMPNGS Lakekamu, commanding officers and crew of HMPNGS Seadler, Christopher Hawkins of the ADF, Warrant Officer Sebastian Maguna and Warrant Officer Johannes Bagangili.
“It was brought to my attention that you all have displayed excellent performance and commitments in your duties,” Toropo told the officers.
He said their standard of professionalism had brought them credit
Toropo acknowledgeg their achievements individually when presenting the commendations.
He thanked Ford for providing advice and support on improving the logistics system to the PNGDF, which demonstrated high level of professionalism.
Palawa was acknowledged for demonstrating a high level of professionalism as a senior logistic officer in PNGDF.
Toropo commended Hawkins for providing exceptional and meritorious service to the force support battalion to support PNGDF operations.
He acknowledged Maguna and Bangali for their foresight, dedication and commitment in working long hours in organising and processing movement claims despite limited funding. It demonstrated a high level of professionalism.
Toropo commended the commanding officers and members of the maritime unit (Navy) for taking part in different bilateral exercises this year.
“We had Exercise Koa Moana in PNG with the US Marines, our Patrol Boats exercise with Indonesia Navy and other regional partners in the region,” he said.
“These are significant milestone exercises achieved by our maritime elements setting new benchmarks outside of our traditional areas of operation.”
The recipients received their awards during the end-of-year parade at the Murray Barracks on Friday.