15 December 2020
Hearing their names called during the Australian Defence Force Academy graduation parade on December 6 was a moment Royal Australian Navy sub lieutenants Tiffany McCormack and Emma Pilling will never forget.
In front of 300 classmates and distinguished guests, they were awarded the Commander in Chief’s Medal and Sword, and Chief of Navy Prize, respectively.
The awards recognise the trainees’ tireless work during their military and academic studies, consistent dedication to the course, and impressive leadership qualities.
Sub Lieutenant McCormack, an aspiring aviation warfare officer, completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indonesian and international politics, at ADFA.
She said receiving the Commander in Chief’s Medal and Sword prize was an honour.
“Knowing how incredibly hard working and deserving my peers are of the same acknowledgement, I am absolutely honoured to have been recognised for my efforts as a member of ADFA,” she said.
“For two years, I have stood in the ranks of ADFA graduation parades and watched my peers be called forward to accept these awards, both with awe and admiration.
“I am extremely grateful to have stood in their place.”
I am absolutely honoured to have been recognised for my efforts.
Sub Lieutenant Emma Pilling, who will go on to complete maritime warfare officer training, said she was hoping to specialise in meteorology after completing her time as an officer of the watch.
She studied a Bachelor of Science, majoring in oceanography, mathematics and statistics, at ADFA and said it was an honour to win the Chief of Navy prize.
“This award represents all the hard work and effort that has gone into the last three years and symbolises mine, and my classmates, successful completion of ADFA,” she said.
“Although this is an individual award, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today without the ongoing support of my second family and friends at ADFA.
“I felt privileged to receive this award on parade in front of my friends and family.”
Sub Lieutenant McCormack will begin her Aviation Warfare Application course next year at HMAS Albatross, while Sub Lieutenant Pilling will begin Stage III of the Maritime Warfare Officers’ course at HMAS Watson.
