MEDIA RELEASE
16 December 2008
For Immediate Release
PNGDF OFFICER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVAL COLLEGE
Sub Lieutenant Alan Awingi of the PNGDF’s Maritime Element was presented the prestigious Governor General’s Cup at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC) Passing Out Parade on Friday 5 December. The RANC is located in Jervis Bay, on Australia’s south-eastern coast.
The award was presented in person by the Australian Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC.
The annual prize is awarded to the New Entry Officer Course officer that demonstrates the best ability, teamwork and outstanding sportsmanship. The 2008 parade comprised more than 60 graduates including Midshipmen from Australia and overseas.
“Sub Lieutenant Awingi is everything a commanding officer would hope to find in a New Entry Officer: hardworking , enthusiastic, and keen to lead by example and help his classmates to do the same,” said Captain John Van Dyke, Sub Lieutenant Awingi's Commanding Officer responsible for his training at RANC.
“He was a great all-rounder, demonstrating ability on the sports field, in the classroom, on field training exercises and on the sea training deployment. He also was an extremely popular course member who made a great impression on all those who taught him. He was a fine ambassador for PNG,” Captain Van Dyke said.
“The Governor General's Cup was very well deserved," he said.
PNGDF Commander Commodore Peter Ilau also congratulated Sub Lieutenant Awingi for his achievement. “This outstanding effort to represent his country is a credit to Sub Lieutenant Awingi, and we’re rightly very proud of him.” he said.
“As a graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College, Sub Lieutenant Awingi is now one of the PNGDF’s elite Maritime Officers”, he said.
Sub Lieutenant Awingi will undertake professional Seaman Officer training at HMAS WATSON in Sydney from January 2009. The training is provided through the auspices of Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program with the PNGDF.
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276, Email: [email protected]