IT'S fitting that Warrant Officer William McConnell, as he gets used to being an Australia Day award winner, is currently on duty.
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Warrant Officer McConnell is the Chief Warrant Officer of HMAS Adelaide and is currently sailing back to Australia after undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief as part of Operation Fiji assist 20-21.
However, he was still able to comment on his award for meritorious achievement in the field of Navy Aviation Maintenance.
"I was very humbled when I received the letter from the Officer of the Governor-General," he said.
"I am very honoured but it's humbling to be recognised by your peers and senior officers.
"This award is a reflection of the professionalism of the men and women I have been lucky enough to lead, their professionalism has allowed me to my job to the best of my abilities."
Warrant Officer McConnell got the award because "he demonstrated exceptional leadership and the highest levels of professionalism in the field of Navy helicopter maintenance and capability support".
"His technical mastery of both the MK50 Seaking and the MRH90 helicopter systems contributed to improved availability and capability," the award announcement read.
"His efforts have been critical in overcoming the unique, complex and challenging circumstances associated with the introduction and development of the Maritime Support Helicopter capability for the Royal Australian Navy."
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Warrant Officer McConnell loves being part of the Australian Navy.
"The greatest satisfaction of my career is seeing young men and women come through the ranks and built their technical capabilities as they develop," he said.
"In the navy, we mentor and coach across all ranks, not just from the top down, so watching the growth of sailors and officers is very rewarding."
You can tell Warrant Officer McConnell likes assisting people in need.
"Seeing the leadership on display during Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20, the individual leadership to come to work and assist the community, even when their own properties were under threat is an inspiration," he said.
"This is on display now too with Operation Fiji assist where we asked young men and women to leave their families over Christmas to sail to the aid our Fijian family is an amazing thing.
"To watch people that you lead and mentor go out of their way for others is the greatest satisfaction of my career."
He joined in May 1993 and is coming up on 28 years of service.
Warrant Officer McConnell said his achievements came with the help of others.
"To be acknowledged is very humbling and it's amazing to be recognised for your work, but I'm not where I am today through my own work alone," he said.
"It's a reflection on the senior sailors I looked up to when I was a junior sailor and the opportunities I was given throughout my career to develop, grow and lead all contributed.
"It's also a reflection on my family and the opportunities they have given me to go away, to be a part of a team and now to lead a team.
"So it's right up there as a career highlight but it's not there without the sacrifice of other people and I am grateful for that."
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