The Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List – Military Divisions

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

Royal Australian Navy

Rear Admiral Michael Joseph NOONAN AM RAN, ACT
For distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in significant command positions.

Rear Admiral Noonan distinguished himself in significant senior operational command roles in the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Defence Force Joint Operations Command and Maritime Border Command. He persistently displayed calm resolve and inspirational leadership successfully managing complex operational circumstances whilst guiding fundamental enterprise reforms. His selfless devotion to duty and inspirational leadership has promoted operational professionalism through significant improvements in training outcomes and personnel management.

Australian Army

Major General Fergus Andrew McLACHLAN AM, NSW

For distinguished service in the appointments of Head Modernisation and Strategic Plans – Army, Commander Forces Command and significant contributions to the Australian Army and modernisation as part of the joint Australian Defence Force for Australia’s interests.

Major General McLachlan provided distinguished service to the nation across a number of roles; achieving tangible outcomes that have resulted in a more ready, more capable, and better connected Army. Major General McLachlan’s exceptional character and judgement combined with his drive and commitment has resulted in lasting benefits for the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Major General Paul David McLACHLAN AM CSC, Qld

For distinguished service in the appointments of Head Land Systems Division, Commander of the 1st Division and significant contributions to Army strategic command and control capabilities within the Australian Defence Force.
Major General McLachlan provided distinguished service to the nation across a number of roles through his strong leadership and commitment. This has resulted in strengthening relationships with key Australian industry partners and valued Defence Forces, leading to tangible outcomes in the advancement of Army’s capability and the Australian Defence Force’s joint command centre capability to meet short notice operations. Major General McLachlan’s exceptional leadership and commitment has resulted in lasting benefits for the Australian Defence Force.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Royal Australian Navy

Rear Admiral Peter Michael QUINN CSC RAN, NSW
For exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy and Defence in senior management.

Rear Admiral Quinn’s exceptional service, across a series of demanding command and senior leadership appointments, has made a significant contribution to the improvement in Navy capability through periods of change in the culture, structure and workforce demand. His tenacity and passion led to the development of a Capability Life Cycle methodology affecting capability delivery, integration and management to achieve a more proficient, agile and potent force. His commitment and drive have best placed Navy and the Department to meet the challenges of the future.

Australian Army

Major B,
For exceptional service to the Australian Army in the field of specialist military engineering between 2003 and 2017.

Major B pioneered the application of innovative specialist military engineering skills that have directly enabled the operational success of multiple generations of personnel within Special Operations Command and the Australian Army. He is an international authority on the design and development of Special Training Facilities and has consistently rendered exceptional service as a specialist military engineer within Special Operations Command.

Colonel Jeffrey Robert BROCK, Qld
For exceptional service to the Australian Army in the fields of Aviation Medicine and Health.

Colonel Brock’s performance as an expert in the field of Aviation Medicine, aircraft accident investigations and contributions to aviation safety has been exemplary. His professionalism and dedication consistently ensured the highest ethical standards are maintained, significantly enhancing the operational air worthiness of Army Aviation. His tireless application of knowledge coupled with moral courage, initiative and personal standards has made a substantial contribution to the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Colonel Gabrielle Maree FOLLETT, NSW
For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as Commanding Officer 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion and as a Staff Officer in the Office of the Chief of the Defence Force and Army Headquarters.

Lieutenant Colonel Follett made an exceptional contribution to the improvement of logistics in the Australian Army and more broadly to the Australian Defence Force. An exceptional officer, she has displayed outstanding dedication, a remarkable ability to build consensus with diverse stakeholders and inspirational leadership in three successive demanding roles.

Colonel Damian John HILL, ACT
For exceptional service as Commander Combat Training Centre, Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery and as acting Commander 3rd Brigade.

Colonel Hill’s inspiring leadership, capacity to manage multiple and competing demands, professional mastery of Joint Fires and Effects and executing the modernisation of integrated joint digitised training under the Combat Training Centre 2025, has led to exceptional service as Commander Combat Training Centre, Commanding Officer 4th Regiment and acting Commander 3rd Brigade. His clear articulation of an inspiring vision, relentless drive, and focussed determination has delivered outcomes that truly underpinned his auspicious achievements.

Brigadier Christopher John MILLS, NSW
For exceptional service as Chief of Future Operations Headquarters Regional Command South in Afghanistan, Director Exercise Planning at Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Director General Modernisation Army and for contributions to the development of Australian Defence Force capabilities.

Brigadier Mills provided exceptional service consistently across a number of roles and through his contributions to advancement of Australian Defence Force capability. His service represents the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian Army.

Colonel Nicole Louise SADLER CSC, ACT
For exceptional performance of duty in the field of mental health leadership, strategy and reform for the Australian Defence Force.

Colonel Sadler’s dedication and outstanding leadership has made an exceptional contribution to the improved understanding of current and emerging mental health needs of Australian Defence Force members. Her lasting legacy has progressed the evolution of military mental health policy and programme evaluation. This has enabled Defence to optimise the mental fitness and wellbeing of its members, thus enhancing operational capability and improving quality of life during and after their military careers.

Warrant Officer Donald Garry SPINKS OAM, ACT
For exceptional service to soldiering within the Australian Defence Force in senior Regimental Sergeant Major appointments, culminating in the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army.

Warrant Officer Spinks provided distinguished service to the nation across Army’s most demanding senior soldier appointments. His exemplary leadership, sustained energy and commitment to soldiering have enhanced the professionalism and resilience of Army. Warrant Officer Spinks has been an outstanding ambassador for Army who, through his impeccable personal standard and professionalism, embodies what it is to be an Australian soldier.

Brigadier Neil Thomas SWEENEY, NSW
For exceptional service as the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force 633 National Command Headquarters for all Australian Forces in the Middle East, while deployed on Operation ACCORDION from July 2016 to April 2017.

As Deputy Commander Joint T ask Force 633, Brigadier Sweeney’s leadership and commitment to troop welfare, headquarters reform, infrastructure development and host nation relations was exceptional. He displayed outstanding foresight, professionalism and dedication to duty. His actions directly contributed to the successful conduct of Australian combat operations in the Middle East during a difficult and challenging period in the campaign

Brigadier Leigh Suzanne WILTON, ACT
For exceptional service as Deputy and Chief of Staff of Army Headquarters, and Director General Personnel – Army and for contributions to Army’s personnel capability.

Brigadier Wilton consistently demonstrated exceptional personal dedication to her roles which led to improvements in Army’s workforce and personnel capability. Her oversight of the management of high profile, serious, sensitive and complex issues and incidents on behalf of the Chief of Army was exceptional, as a Colonel in a Brigadier position, significantly enhancing Army’s reputation and enabling the provision of timely, high quality and accurate advice to Government.

Royal Australian Air Force

Squadron Leader Paul James SIMMONS CSM, NSW
For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in air combat capability development.

Squadron Leader Simmons’ professional mastery, exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and devotion to duty have been pivotal to the generation and maintenance of the Royal Australian Air Force’s air combat capability in several roles since 2004. His sustained exceptional service has established the foundation for building a 5th Generation Air Force that has also directly increased the integrated war-fighting capability of the Australian Defence Force and its Coalition partners.

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

Royal Australian Navy

Warrant Officer Scott James SHIPTON, NSW
For meritorious service to training and personnel management within the Royal Australian Navy.

Warrant Officer Shipton made a substantial contribution to the Royal Australian Navy’s capability through his knowledge, dedication, attitude and tireless commitment to the training and mentoring of personnel. His inspirational leadership and outstanding communication skills were pivotal in the introduction of revised Patrol Boat crewing strategies and Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Force restructuring in order to better support current and emerging Fleet capabilities.

Warrant Officer Brett Andrew SOUTH, WA
For meritorious service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of submarine marine engineering.

Warrant Officer South distinguished himself during a range of demanding and influential postings in support of the Australian submarine capability. His outstanding levels of leadership, technical proficiency, innovation and professionalism have led to wide-reaching improvements in submarine performance, training effectiveness and culture. He rendered meritorious service to the Royal Australian Navy far beyond the call of duty.

Commander Glenn Alan WILLIAMS RAN, ACT
For meritorious service in the field of Navy Communications and Information Systems.

Commander Williams demonstrated meritorious service in the fields of Navy Communications and Information Systems operations support, training and sustainment. His dedication, leadership, technical knowledge and professionalism have been instrumental in the planning and implementation of policy and standards to reflect contemporary technologies and strategic capability development. His influence has been pivotal in facilitating current and future capability acquisition of Navy Communications and Information Systems.

Australian Army

Warrant Officer Class One Kelvin James BAULCH, NSW
For meritorious service in the field of Engineering Services and Construction Management within the Australian Army and wider Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Baulch consistently displayed professional mastery that directly contributed to the generation of military engineering capability. Through his tireless efforts, he ensured the highest quality of engineering workmanship. His technical acumen is of the highest order and he has shown outstanding initiative and ingenuity. His investment in the development of junior tradesmen, foreman and junior officers is commendable.

Warrant Officer Class One Matthew Francis BOLD, Qld
For meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 9th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment and the 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

Warrant Officer Bold’s dedication to his roles as Company Sergeant Major in the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 9th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment and the 7th Battalion, has been fundamental in improving the welfare, skills and operational effectiveness of soldiers who served under him.

Major Richard Paul CLARK, SA
For meritorious service as the Brigade Major of Headquarters 9th Brigade and the Assistant Operations Officer at Headquarters 2nd Division.

Major Clark displayed exemplary leadership and professional dedication to duty which transformed the training of the 4th and 9th Brigades, and led to the successful evaluation of the Battle Group during Exercise HAMEL in 2016. His additional development of evidence- based cost models linking the capabilities required with funding allocation have revolutionised program budgeting within the 2nd Division.

Warrant Officer Class One Paul Justin SIMPFENDORFER, NSW
For meritorious service in the field of Forward Arming and Refueling and Aviation Special Operations and as the Leadership Package Master at the Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer’s exemplary performance in Forward Arming and Refueling and Aviation Special Operations has made a significant contribution to the aviation capability of the Australian Defence Force and has enhanced the reputation of the Army Aviation Corps. His unwavering and deep dedication to improving the proficiency, leadership and welfare of Army’s Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and soldiers has contributed to organisational success and cohesion within the aviation community and across the Australian Army.

Warrant Officer Class Two John William SMALLACOMBE, NT
For meritorious performance of duty in promoting positive relationships between Indigenous communities and the Pilbara Regiment and rehabilitating wounded, injured and ill soldiers within the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

Warrant Officer Smallacombe demonstrated selfless dedication to duty over two consecutive postings. He developed positive Army relationships with Indigenous communities, organisations and businesses within the East Pilbara Region as Training Warrant Officer. Warrant Officer Smallacombe worked tirelessly to rehabilitate wounded, injured and ill soldiers significantly reducing the number of downgraded personnel as the Unit Welfare Officer in the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

Captain Matthew James SULLIVAN CSM, Vic
For meritorious performance of duty as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Brigade and Regimental Master Gunner of the Combined Arms Training Centre.

Captain Sullivan displays the highest standards of leadership and professionalism in all tasks asked of him. His sensitive management of complex and nationally significant events, his strategic acumen and engagement with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and his leadership of significant change in skills and capability across the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery to realise the potential of new capabilities, highlight his current and enduring impact as one of Army’s senior soldiers.

Warrant Officer Class Two W
For meritorious performance of duty, application of skills and leadership as a Manager of Intelligence Operations within the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer W made a meritorious contribution through the implementation of a Human Intelligence assessment process and consistent leadership over multiple deployments and postings. Warrant Officer W’s application of skills and leadership has directly contributed to the Force Protection of Australian Defence Force personnel and the provision of safe, effective training.

Royal Australian Air Force

Group Captain David John HOUGHTON, Qld
For meritorious service in materiel acquisition and sustainment as the Joint Program Office Lead, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft System Program Office, and as Commanding Officer of the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office in Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.

Group Captain Houghton displayed outstanding professional excellence in developing joint United States Navy acquisition and sustainment arrangements for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and in reforming the sustainment of Defence’s fixed-wing aircrew training systems. His outstanding devotion to duty, impeccable diplomacy, and innovative problem solving in extremely ambiguous acquisition and sustainment environments have strengthened international relations, enhanced aircrew training, and delivered a raft of benefits for Defence that will endure for decades.

Sergeant Katrina Louise LISTON, ACT
For meritorious service in instruction, case officer support, and training medical supervision as a Divisional Senior Non-Commissioned Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Over years of devoted service at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Sergeant Liston established herself as an outstanding instructor, mentor, team member and Case Support Officer; displaying sustained exemplary professionalism, service and skills across every dimension of a challenging and demanding training appointment. Her natural ability to lead, teach, mentor and develop trainee officers; combined with her insight, aptitude, communication skills and empathy, allowed her to directly and indirectly influence and inspire numerous cohorts of junior officers.

Squadron Leader Christopher Nicholas PLAIN, WA
For meritorious service in project management as the Number 78 Wing Transition Team Manager for the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Project.

Squadron Leader Plain demonstrated extraordinary leadership, superior managerial skill, conspicuous dedication, and honed professional acumen to successfully implement the Hawk 127 Lead-In-Fighter Capability Assurance Project. He successfully overcame a number of complex technical and coordination challenges to achieve initial operating capability; and has been instrumental in ensuring that the upgraded Lead-In Fighter Training System is now well prepared and able to support the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.