First posted at HMAS Albatross in the late-80s, Commander Benjamin Spurgin has received a Medal of the Order of Australia, military division.
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The medal was for Commander Spurgin's meritorious performance of duty as a navy legal adviser and instructor.
Although Commander Spurgin has now left the navy he is still a reservist and works at a local law firm in the Shoalhaven. He also spends a significant amount of his professional time volunteering and being involved with legal tasks and training at Albatross and Creswell.
"Obviously I'm humbled first and foremost by the award - one never expects these things but I'm at the same time delighted," he said.
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He said it had been a privilege just to work with the organisation for more than three decades.
"I guess my overseas exchange with the Royal Australia Navy was a highlight.
"Working with some extraordinary people in my profession both as a naval officer and also as a legal officer has been another real highlight for me.
"It's cliche to say it's the people that make the difference but it's true - having so many senior peers to learn from and then having the opportunity to pass on some of those positive lessons to my junior peers."
With his award he is hoping to continue his legal work, mentor junior staff and continue lecturing in law.
"I'm very definitely a local and I like to try and assist my local commanding officers... as a senior practitioner I'm in a position to hopefully give them the dubious benefit of my experience some 35-odd years in practice."