OFFICER (AO) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Army

Major General David Peter COGHLAN AM

For distinguished service in the field of Defence capability acquisition and sustainment as Head of Land Systems Division and Head Armoured Vehicle Division.

Major General Coghlan's exceptional leadership in capability acquisition and sustainment over six years has directly enhanced land power for the Australian Defence Force. His foresight, professionalism and personal commitment has enabled the Australian Defence Force to meet current and posture for future operational requirements with credible and resilient integrated land combat capabilities. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Lieutenant General Gavan John REYNOLDS AM

For distinguished service as the Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and European Union, Head Military Strategic Planning and Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Lieutenant General Reynolds exceptional leadership in successive significant appointments that has directly contributed to capability and effectiveness in the Department of Defence. He has strengthened the provision of support to the decision maker through his strategic acumen, military diplomacy and collaborative approach that has directly contributed to Australian Defence objectives and Australia's national interests. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Royal Australian Navy

Rear Admiral Wendy Anne MALCOLM CSM RAN

For exceptional service in surface ship sustainment for the Australian Defence Force.

Through outstanding leadership, deep industry understanding and business acumen, Rear Admiral Malcolm has significantly advanced the material support of Navy's fleet and the performance of the naval sustainment industry. Her outstanding devotion laid the foundation for an enduring capability that will support Navy over an extended period in demanding strategic circumstances and create sustainable opportunities in industry for generations of Australians to come.

Rear Admiral Ian Gordon MURRAY RAN

For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in strategic logistics and operations support.

Rear Admiral Murray's leadership, professionalism and dedication to the field of military logistics has rendered a lasting positive impact. His experience, outstanding knowledge and initiative have been integral in the restructuring of a number of logistic support systems that will increase responsiveness to evolving demands and enhance safety and security of supply. His resolve to develop sovereign explosive ordnance production capability will eventually see increased resilience in the support of Australian Defence Force strategic capabilities.

Commodore Steven John TIFFEN RAN

For exceptional service in surface ship acquisition and sustainment for the Australian Defence Force.

Commodore Tiffen significantly advanced the Australian Defence Force surface ship acquisition and sustainment capability through distinguished leadership, exceptional program management, and extraordinary political acumen over ten years of service as a senior leader in Defence. In a dynamic, complex and operationally demanding period, he demonstrated superior performance, delivering enduring benefits which will underpin the nation's naval construction program for decades to come.

Captain Letitia Deborah VAN STRALEN CSC RAN

For exceptional service in senior leadership positions by enhancing culture and people systems, and building a framework for positive engagement with all people in the Royal Australian Navy.

Captain van Stralen performed her roles as the Director Navy People Career Management and Chief of Staff to the Chief of Navy to an exceptional level. Through her leadership, dedication and compassion she has enhanced workplace culture and people management systems, building a framework for positive engagement with all people in the Royal Australian Navy. Her outstanding dedication to duty has delivered enduring benefits for people across the Royal Australian Navy.

For exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior command positions.

Commodore Yorke displayed professional excellence, conspicuous dedication to duty and devotion to the Navy in the areas of operations, workforce planning analysis and representation. His efforts contributed to Navy's ability to balance workforce requirements against predicted future capability requirements thereby ensuring a sustainable workforce model designed to support Navy in meeting national commitments. His engagement with Victorian companies and organisations has enhanced Navy's standing and reputation.

Australian Army

Major General Jason Peter BLAIN DSC CSC

For exceptional performance of duty as Director General Force Options and Plans, Branch Head National Security Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Commander 7th Brigade.

Major General Blain has led improvement in key capability management, command and force modernisation appointments for the Australian Army and Australian Defence Force. His leadership to prioritise capability within the Australian Defence Force and provide actionable strategic advice has enhanced Australia's national interests. His exceptional leadership enabled the Australian Army to provide sustained support to domestic operations while achieving modernisation outcomes essential to the Australian Army maintaining a credible capability. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Brigadier Matthew Ivan BURR

For exceptional service as Commander of the 4th Brigade force assigned as Commander Joint Task Force 646 and Commander Joint Task Group 629.2.

Brigadier Burr has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in directing Defence's contribution to the Victorian Government's emergency management responses and to Army outcomes. He has enhanced the Australian Defence Force reputation through the application of outstanding leadership, skill and judgement. This has delivered exceptional outcomes which constitute a remarkable contribution to the whole of government response to two of the most significant disasters experienced by the State of Victoria in recent history.

Principal Chaplain Darren Peter JAENSCH

For exceptional performance of duty in Chaplaincy leadership and development particularly as the Director General Chaplaincy - Army

Principal Chaplain Jaensch's exceptional leadership as the Director General Chaplaincy - Army has optimized relevant and effective chaplaincy across Army. His wisdom, persistence and compassion have progressed the recruiting and integration of gender and culturally diverse, full and part-time and multi-faith chaplains. This diverse but integrated chaplaincy has proved highly effective for Army in recent domestic operations. His leadership is in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of Special Operations command and senior staff appointments.

Major General Kelly has provided exceptional service consistently across a number of roles over a prolonged period to Army's Special Operations capability. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Colonel Andrew Paul MOSS CSM

For exceptional service and significantly enhancing the operational effects and capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

Colonel Moss demonstrated exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force over multiple postings as Staff Officer Grade One Military Commitments - Army, Commanding Officer 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) and Chief of Staff, 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters. His achievements have culminated in a significant impact upon the Australian Defence Force's contribution to multiple operations and the multi-domain environment. His leadership and dedication to duty have profoundly enhanced the Australian Defence Force's operational effects and capability.

Major General Christopher Robert SMITH DSC CSC

For exceptional service as Chief of the Defence Force Liaison Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff United States and as Director General Land Operations, Army Headquarters.

Major General Smith's exceptional leadership has directly strengthened the relationship between the Australian Defence Force, the United States and the Australian community. His contribution to Australia's national interests through enhancing the Australian Defence Force's military capability and strengthening Australia's relationship with the United States have ensured the Australian Defence Force remains a trusted, credible and capable force. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Brigadier Malcolm Dalziel WELLS DSC

For exceptional service as the Deputy Commander 2nd Division and Joint Task Force 629 and Commander of Joint Task Force 629 during OPERATION COVID-19 ASSIST.

Brigadier Wells significantly enhanced Army's ability to support, command and control domestic operations and Defence Aid to the Civil Community as the Deputy Commander of the 2nd Division. His exemplary leadership, organisational ability and foresight improved the operational capability of Headquarters 2nd Division, enabling it to effectively lead multiple Joint Task Forces across Australia during OPERATION COVID-19 Assist.

Royal Australian Air Force

Air Commodore Angela Maria CASTNER

For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in Logistics workforce development, fighter aircraft sustainment, and enterprise supply management.

Over a decade of most devoted service, Air Commodore Castner delivered major improvements in the Logistics workforce of the Royal Australian Air Force; provided superb sustainment to the F/A-18 Classic Hornet combat aircraft capability during Operation OKRA; and delivered crucial supply support to the Australian Defence Force during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Afghanistan Non- combatant Evacuation Operation. Her raft of enduring accomplishments have advanced Defence in a number of crucial areas that highlight her exceptional skill and dedication.

Air Commodore Kirrily Ann DEARING

For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in strategic engagement, integration of women in Afghan society, and military responses to international and domestic operations.

Air Commodore Dearing has distinguished herself through superb support of Australia's national interests in extremely challenging circumstances. As inaugural Liaison Officer to the United States Pacific Air Force she built strong relationships in areas of mutual interest. Further, as Senior Gender Advisor in Afghanistan she was a superb advocate for the integration of women as a key component of national stability. Moreover, she delivered exceptional outcomes supporting international military operations whilst deftly responding to major domestic bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air Commodore Andrew Ronald ELFVERSON

For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in organisational development, and in delivery of the national program for the 2021 Royal Australian Air Force Centenary.

Air Commodore Elfverson is a senior officer of remarkable skill who drove major change in the roles, functions and workforce critical to enhancing the Australian Defence Organisation's administration of its youth development and Reserves Support programs. Further, his superb professionalism and unflappable demeanour were key to the successful 2021 Royal Australian Air Force Centenary; and an enduring legacy of mature policy, tools, and contemporary programs for delivery of professional high quality scalable community engagement activities well into the future.

For exceptional service implementing change management in successive postings across the Royal Australian Air Force and Joint education and training communities.

Group Captain Ghee demonstrates exceptional change management and leadership acumen. Over many postings, he has substantially improved the performance and efficiency of Defence units through outstanding leadership, influence and thoroughness. Recently, he played a key role, exhibiting extraordinary leadership in the significant restructure of the Australian Defence College resulting in the formation of the Australian War College. His achievements have led to long lasting benefits to Air Force and the Joint Force, particularly in capability management and officer education.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Royal Australian Navy

Warrant Officer Thomas Stuart COSTELLO

For meritorious service to the Submarine and Surface Forces as a Warrant Officer supporting improved workplace relationships, technical mastery and empowerment.

Warrant Officer Costello's outstanding contribution as the Warrant Officer Marine Technician in Submarine Sea Training Group and as Command Warrant Officer to three Major Fleet Units has been inspirational. His attention to detail and leadership directly benefitted Submarine and Surface Force ships' companies on operational deployments, ensuring morale and welfare were highest amongst leadership considerations. His devotion to his crew and the Command team, directly contributed to the high operational capability of these units.

Chief Petty Officer Daniel John ELLIOTT

For meritorious service as a Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver within Tactical Assault Group - East, 2nd Commando Regiment, during the period March 2004 to January 2020.

Chief Petty Officer Elliott's tenure within Australian Special Operations Command was characterised by extreme devotion to duty and exceptional service. During five separate appointments spanning 16 years, he delivered exceptional operational outcomes in the field of domestic maritime hostage recovery, and maritime counter-terrorism operating procedure development. As a pioneer of Special Operation Command's Clearance Diver capability, his influence over the current sub-surface capability within Tactical Assault Group - East has been significant.

Warrant Officer Graeme John GIBNEY

For meritorious performance of duty as a Senior Enlisted leader in the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Gibney's career has been hallmarked by selfless devotion to duty; and the application of exceptional technical skill, expertise and leadership. He demonstrated outstanding personal character, judgement and commitment in supporting Defence members through periods of personal crisis and complexity. During his extended service, he has contributed both to Australia's national security and to the leadership and care of Defence personnel.

For meritorious performance of duty as the Superintendent Garden Island Dockyard Precinct.

Through his management, professional experience and technical knowledge Captain Irwin made outstanding contributions to the transformation and modernisation of shore based facilities at the Garden Island Dockyard Precinct and other establishments across Australia. His successful planning and management of critical wharf improvements, and the remediation plan for the Captain Cook Graving Dock directly support Navy's operational capabilities.

Lieutenant Commander Michael Desmond WOODS RAN (Retd)

For meritorious service in support of current and ex-serving Navy People and their families.

Lieutenant Commander Woods' efforts contributed to the education of Royal Australian Navy officers, the support of Navy People and their families during stressful times of repatriation back into the civilian workforce and during their bereavement. Additionally he has contributed to the recording of the Navy's History and the expansion and knowledge of that history within the wider Australian community.

Australian Army

Warrant Officer Class Two B

For meritorious service within Special Operations Command as a Senior Instructor and Company Sergeant Major

Warrant Officer Class Two B displayed meritorious performance at the Defence Special Operations Training and Education Centre and the 2nd Commando Regiment. He made exceptionally meritorious contributions to both units as a change agent, cultural reformer and mentor during periods of significant structural changes and capability adjustments. His meritorious achievement reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Class One Bradley Scott BARGENQUAST

For meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 11th Combat Service Support Battalion, 1st Combat Signal Regiment and Royal Military College - Duntroon.

Warrant Officer Class One Bargenquast has made an outstanding contribution to the development and training of Army's leaders during his service as a Regimental Sergeant Major. The example he sets through his commitment to living Our Values and Good Soldiering and his remarkable ability to influence all ranks has made a positive impact on a generation of Army's future leaders. An exemplary soldier and exceptional leader, his dedication and professionalism as a Regimental Sergeant Major are in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

For meritorious performance of duty as the Officer Commanding Maritime Wing and Second in Command of both the Army School of Transport and Second in Command 10th Force Support Battalion.

Major Edwards has made outstanding contributions to Army through his dedication to watercraft capability, governance reform and cultural enhancement. His meritorious devotion has ensured the highest standards of governance within two diverse and dispersed units. His commitment and selflessness lead to cultural improvements and enhanced relations between serving personnel and youth and indigenous organisations within the Townsville community. His efforts have  made a lasting impact on unit governance standards, morale and the reputation of Army within the community.

Warrant Officer Class Two Cameron Joseph ELLIOTT

For meritorious service as an Explosives Detection Dog Chief Trainer, Explosives Detection Dog Capability Manager and Sergeant Major - Warrant Officer Training.

Warrant Officer Class Two Elliott's application of subject matter expertise, leadership and selfless dedication have been instrumental in the development of the Explosive Detection Dog capability in Australia and regionally. His commitment and sustained achievements as the School of Military Engineering's Explosives Detection Dog Chief Trainer, Capability Manager and Sergeant Major - Warrant Officer Training are of the highest order and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Class One Jason Richard HARTLEY

For meritorious performance of duty in petroleum operations and operational force generation for the Australian Army.

Warrant Officer Jason Hartley has contributed significantly to the advancement of the petroleum trade and its operations in the Australian Army. His efforts have resulted in measurable improvements to operational effectiveness and have positively shaped the future Defence fuel capability. His trade mastery, mentorship and dedication have underpinned a consistent and exceptional performance that has positively impacted his trade over many years. His contributions bring immense credit upon him and are aligned to the finest traditions of the Australian Army.

Warrant Officer Class One Scott Andrew RUTLAND

For meritorious service and exceptional commitment to the continuous advancement of Military Personnel Administration.

Warrant Officer Rutland has provided sustained meritorious service over many years. In operational theatres and domestically, he has been instrumental in modernising Australian Defence Force human resource information systems. He has combined his deep pay and administration expertise with exceptional data and analysis skills. This combination has significantly enhanced Military Personnel Administration and enabled the Army to make data-enabled strategic workforce management decisions.

For meritorious service to the Australian Army as a Warrant Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major.

Warrant Officer S displayed meritorious performance of duty in a number of roles across the Australian Special Operations Capability. As a career manager, his meritorious performance of duty ensured a sustainable future for Australian Special Operations Command. As the senior soldier in the Special Air Service Regiment he provided outstanding leadership during the most challenging period of the Regiment's history. Warrant Officer S's meritorious service is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Special Operations Command, Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Class One Kirstin Arina TANNER

For meritorious service as the Company Sergeant Major 11th Close Heath Company, and as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Close Health Battalion and the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion.

Warrant Officer Tanner displayed exceptional commitment, professionalism and leadership in regimental appointments within Army's close health and combat service support capabilities over many years. She consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment, competence, initiative and leadership in all aspects of her duties. Her sustained meritorious service has positively impacted soldiers, improving retention of critical close health and combat service support capabilities within Forces Command.

Warrant Officer Class One Michael Leonard WATERS

For meritorious service in senior Artificer Sergeant Major roles inside Army Headquarters and Special Operations Command.

Warrant Officer Class One Waters has demonstrated exceptional performance in multiple senior Artificer Sergeant Major appointments. His leadership and expertise has enhanced Defence's ability to meet current and future land capability requirements. A dedication to mentoring has ensured the next generation of engineers and maintainers are equipped to support the deployment of military power. His performance has been of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Royal Australian Air Force

Warrant Officer Sean Andrew McCLURE

For meritorious service to the Australian Defence Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems operations, and in MQ-9B Sky Guardian capability development.

Warrant Officer McClure's extraordinary dedication to the establishment of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems capability within Royal Australian Air Force has seen him become the most qualified operator and instructor, bringing technical ability, superior expertise, conspicuous leadership, and outstanding dedication, including multiple operational tours on Operations SLIPPER, INHERENT RESOLVE and SHADER. His superb contribution and selfless devotion over a decade of exceptional service has significantly enhanced the operational performance and development of Australia's future uncrewed systems.