Exceptional Sailors

Master Sailor Jeffrey Harding and Sub-Lieutenant Jonathan Robinson stand with Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Senator Rebecca Patterson in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, Ontario.

Master Sailor Jeffrey Harding and Sub-Lieutenant Jonathan Robinson stand with Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Senator Rebecca Patterson in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, Ontario.

SLt Simon Gonsalves and A/SLt Josh Grinstead, 
MARPAC Public Affairs 

— 

On an annual basis, the Navy League of Canada’s Exceptional Sailors Programme recognizes outstanding sailors across the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) formations, who’ve gone above and beyond professional expectations. During Navy and Coast Guard Appreciation Day, those awarded travel to Ottawa to receive their commendation within the Canadian Senate. Welcomed by Canada’s Senators and Members of Parliament, this ceremony is designed to highlight the best of the RCN, and showcase their dedication, professionalism, and performance.

Every year, this commendation publicly recognizes two junior officers, one senior non-commissioned member (NCM), and three junior NCMs. Candidates must be nominated for a Commander RCN Commendation and meet several criteria, such as demonstrating devotion to duty, integrity, and leadership. Furthermore, they have to have contributed significantly to the RCN, their local community, or more widely contributed to Canada.

Of the five RCN members selected to receive this commendation, two were sailors serving with Maritime Forces Pacific – HMCS Regina’s Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Jonathan Robinson, and Master Sailor (MS) Jeffrey Harding, serving with the Canadian Submarine Force onboard HMCS Windsor.

SLt Jonathan Robinson’s name was submitted for the Exceptional Sailors initiative after his commendable performance as the Designated Assistant for the family of a fallen shipmate aboard HMCS Calgary. This recognition stemmed from his compassion and dedication in supporting the affected family during an incredibly difficult time. When asked about this experience, SLt Robinson stated that it was “an honour to be chosen for this award, and a memorable experience to have it presented in the Senate Chamber.”

MS Harding displayed remarkable dedication and expertise as the Junior Sonar Maintainer aboard HMCS Windsor during the submarine’s 2022 torpedo firing trials. In addition to his outstanding execution of his ordinary responsibilities, MS Harding was essential in the repair of a catastrophic fault in the Fire Control System. His exceptional professionalism and understanding of the system directly contributed to the trials’ success, maintaining Windsor’s operational readiness. Reflecting on the award, MS Harding said: “I wasn’t expecting anything like this for myself, but it was an awesome and such a pleasant surprise.”

This commendation not only honours the hard work and contributions of individuals like SLt Jonathan Robinson and MS Jeffrey Harding, but also highlights the values that define the RCN—commitment, professionalism, and leadership. Through their actions, these exemplary sailors strove well above their professional expectations, reflecting the high standards of excellence encouraged by the RCN.

 

The award recipients, senior officers, and attending politicians pose for a group picture in the Senate Chamber, in Ottawa, Ontario.

The award recipients, senior officers, and attending politicians pose for a group picture in the Senate Chamber, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Filed Under: News ReleaseTop Stories

Tags:

About the Author:

RSSComments (0)

Trackback URL

Comments are closed.