Thales staff in Darwin receive Gold Level Commendation for work on Armidale Class Patrol Boats

Congratulations to Duncan Thomas and David Monaghan, URDEF Coordinators in Thales' Patrol Boat Systems Program Office based in Darwin, who received a Group Gold Level Commendation for their persistent, focused and devoted efforts to manage and reduce Urgent Defects within the Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) Fleet.

Duncan Thomas and David Monaghan, URDEF Coordinators in Thales' Patrol Boat Systems Program Office were recently awarded a Group Gold Level Commendation for their persistent, focused and devoted efforts to manage and reduce Urgent Defects (URDEF) within the Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) Fleet.

A Gold Level Commendation is awarded by a Two Star Service Officer, or equivalent, and in this instance was awarded by Mr Tony Fraser AO CSC, Deputy Secretary – Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Department of Defence. It is rare for such an award to be presented to a Contractor.

The team’s dedication to supporting the Fleet and effectively managing the URDEF burden saw the number of extant URDEFs reduce from in-excess of 270 at Thales’ contract start date in May 2017 to consistently under 50 throughout 2020. This is a remarkable achievement noting the high operational tempo of the ACPB.

Duncan and David’s efforts have directly contributed in improving the capability of the ACPB Fleet. The aggressive and pro-active resolution of emergent defects has significantly improved the reliability and availability of the ACPB Fleet.

Their outstanding work is reflective of their professionalism and commitment.

An outstanding recognition for the URDEF Team, which is a reflection of the ACPB Team effort in delivering consistent excellence to support Navy to keep Australia safe."

Alex Strehle, Armidale Class Patrol Boat Program Manager

Congratulations Duncan and David on being recognised for your stewardship through the coordinating, management, reporting and rectification of URDEFs since 2017."

Michael Parkinson, Darwin Senior Project Manager - ACPB

This is exceptional recognition and I am extremely proud of the work that Duncan and David have done, and also recognising the effort of the whole ACPB Enterprise team including our supply chain in achieving the consistent improvement in URDEF results for the Navy. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement."

Max Kufner, Vice President, Above Water Systems