The Gold Commendation from Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan was announced at the launch of Shoalhaven artist John Downton's latest exhibition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Commanding Officer of the Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Dave Frost made the presentation on behalf of Chief of Navy, saying it was "a privilege".

"Recognition at this level does not happen very often," he said.

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"It's not often we find ourselves in the privileged position of presenting an award such as this.

"They are not handed out without someone really achieving a level."

He said after reading Ms Chiittick's commendation he would "love to clone" her.

"In our future Fleet Air Arm, if I had 100 people like Ailsa standing next to me, we would be an even more lethal force and be able to do our jobs," he said.

Ms Chittick was presented with her commendation and a special pin.

She said she was "very honored" by the presentation.

"It's very nice to be recognised," she said.

"I love working here. It doesn't feel like a chore - 15 years have gone very quickly."

Ms Chittick's Citation reads.

"I commend you for your exemplary dedication and commitment as the collections curator and acting manager of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum and Royal Australian Naval College Museum at HMAS Creswell.

Your contribution since September 2006 played a significant part in ensuring a maintenance of the important elements of the RAN's history and heritage.

You contributed to the preservation of these incredible institutions, thereby informing the broad cross-section of the Australian community of the part played by our Navy at sea, ashore and in the air.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum, in particular, is today regarded as a world-class aviation museum and home to more than 30 former RAN aircraft and a myriad of important heritage items dating back to the dawn of aviation in our Navy.

As a curator, you displayed outstanding dedication to your wide ranging duties, often working under difficult conditions and time constraints.

Never has this been more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic where you took the opportunity to undertake a complete review and audit of the RAN's heritage collection.

You approached all these challenges with a cheerful disposition, setting a fine example to other members of the history and heritage network.

Your achievements are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan

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