Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have served on operations in the Indo-Pacific region are being recognised with the award of the Australian Operational Service Medal - Indo-Pacific (AOSM-IP).
The Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, presented the AOSM-IP to a small group of serving ADF members during a ceremony at HMAS Harman in Canberra this month.
"It was a privilege to present some of the first Australian Operational Service Medals - Indo-Pacific to members of the Australian Defence Force," Admiral Johnston said.
"This new medal recognises the commitment and service of over 15,000 ADF personnel who contributed to operations across the Indo-Pacific since 2005.
"It reflects our enduring appreciation for their service, professionalism and contribution to Australia's security and regional stability."
The medal can be awarded to ADF personnel who have completed 30 days of operational service or 30 sorties on Indo-Pacific operations over one or more deployments.
This includes operations Argos, Augury, Gateway, Lilia, Linesman and Render Safe.
'It reflects our enduring appreciation for their service, professionalism and contribution to Australia's security and regional stability.'
Lieutenant Don Nguyen received the medal for his service on Operation Lilia in 2023 as the Assistant Marine Engineering Officer on board HMAS Choules.
Lieutenant Nguyen said the recognition was somewhat surreal but very welcome.
"Being on operations in the Indo-Pacific, with the current climate evolving and becoming very competitive, it's important to recognise the hard work all personnel are doing to protect Australia's interest," he said.
When Flight Sergeant Meeka Cowling set off for a deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Lilia in 2024, she never thought there would be a medal for her efforts at the end of it.
Now, her service has been recognised with the introduction of the new medal.
Others to receive the AOSM-IP were the ship's company of HMAS Stuart, which is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at the Australian Marine Complex, Henderson, in Western Australia.
Commanding Officer Stuart, Commander Warren Bechly, said that while this medal recognised a number of operations, many of Stuart's crew achieved the key milestone this year alone.
"It is important to also recognise that HMAS Stuart's operations activities were conducted as part of an integrated ADF," Commander Bechly said.
"We also acknowledge that what we do, be it in exercising or operationally, cannot be achieved without the support and understanding of our family and friends."
In an increasingly complex strategic environment, Indo-Pacific regional operations are critical to protecting Australia's national interest and keeping Australians safe.
Eligible serving personnel are not required to apply for the AOSM-IP as the award will be issued to those ADF members who meet the criteria of 30 days service or 30 sorties in the Indo-Pacific.
Former serving members who believe they meet the criteria can complete an application on the Defence website.
