Australian sailor recognised by US Navy

Deployed on Operation Manitou in Bahrain, Leading Seaman Tahlia Lemon has been recognised by the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) for her support of personnel working in the region.

CAPTION: Leading Seaman Maritime Personnel Operator Tahlia Lemon recieves a letter of commendation from Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces and Commander US 5th Fleet, US Navy Vice Admiral George Wikoff while deployed on Operation Manitou. Story by Lieutenant Ben Page.

In a letter of commendation from the CMF Commander and Commander US 5th Fleet, United States Navy, Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Leading Seaman Lemon was congratulated for her significant efforts in support of Australian personnel and members from coalition partners deployed to the region as part of CMF.

As the deployed maritime personnel operator, Leading Seaman Lemon provided administrative and logistical support to the 16 Australians working as part of the 42-nation CMF.

Commander Australian Contingent, Commander Neil Cheverton, said Leading Seaman Lemon’s work was instrumental in ensuring the success of the Australian contribution to the CMF.

“Leading Seaman Lemon has provided an outstanding level of support both to the Australian contingent deployed in Bahrain but also to our coalition partners,” he said.

“She has been instrumental in ensuring that personnel arriving in Bahrain are integrated into the operation and set up for success and remain fully supported throughout their deployment.”

Reflecting on her time in Bahrain so far, Leading Seaman Lemon said it was a once-in-a-career opportunity.

“The chance to work with personnel from the 42 nations that form part of the CMF has been an incredible experience – we all come from different backgrounds, but share many of the same interests and experiences.”

Operation Manitou is the ADF contribution to supporting international efforts promoting maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East and Africa regions. The CMF is made up of five Combined Task Forces, focusing on countering terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation and promoting a safe maritime environment.

Australia’s contribution to the operation almost tripled in January this year in support of the United States-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, which leads a mission to ensure freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime traffic in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden in response to the Houthi led aggression in the region.

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