Australian Navy Sailors Receive Group Citation for Bravery

Three Royal Australian Navy sailors were enthusiastically applauded as they received a Group Citation for Bravery at Government House on 10 May 2012.

More than 100 people clapped as LS Maria Mathews, AB Tomas Gallant and AB Matthew Pierce were presented the honour for their actions which helped to save 44 lives after SIEV 36 exploded near Ashmore Reef in 2009.

‘I was overwhelmed, it was surreal’, said LS Mathews, ‘I was so proud of the team with me.”

Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, praised the group for acting ‘swiftly and professionally’ during the rescue.

Commodore Andrew Smith, representing Fleet Commander at the ceremony, was moved by the volume and duration of the applause that followed.

Fifteen other ADF personnel were included in the citation and have been honoured at separate ceremonies.

LS Mathews’ partner Phil and family were ‘proud beyond words’ and presented their own award of an afternoon’s celebratory shopping followed by dinner.

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Naval Today Staff , May 22, 2012; Image: Australian Navy