COMMANDER Michael Maley RAN DSM recently returned from service in Afghanistan and, for his work there, is receiving the US Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Combat Operations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He has also received a formal letter of commendation from the Director of the FBI for one of the roles he performed there.
The son of Carleen and Les Maley of Tathra, Commander Maley joined the Navy from Bega High School in 1983 and graduated from the Naval College in 1985.
After completing training in navigation, seamanship and warfare he served in a variety of ships as officer of the watch, navigator and executive officer.
In 1994, he undertook the clearance diving officers’ qualifying course, which encompassed diving, explosive ordnance disposal and mine warfare.
Following that course he had two commands - HMAS Shoalwater and Australian Clearance Diving Team One.
When in command of Team One it was awarded a Fleet Award, the Rushcutter Shield for proficiency and efficiency.
“Service in the clearance diving world has been hectic and very focused on operations,” Commander Maley said.
“In 2003, while on exchange in the United States I was second in command of a multinational force undertaking operations in Iraq and
was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for leadership in action.
“During the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the Sydney APEC conferences I worked alongside police, army and air force to provide a range of security options.
“In 2008, I served as the chief staff officer mine warfare and clearance diving and was responsible for the provision of the whole capability. “This included providing navy divers to operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East, as well as responding to domestic incidents such as the Brisbane floods.
“I also represented the Australian Navy at many NATO and international forums.
“In 2011, I deployed to Afghanistan and worked within the International Security Assistance Force in the area of counter improvised explosive device disposal.
“I worked alongside members of partner nations, military and police units in coordinating forensics and exploitation across the country in order to support counter insurgency operations.
“Improvised explosive devices are the weapon of choice for the Taliban and are responsible for the majority of coalition and civilian deaths in the country.
“Naturally a lot of effort is being applied to finding the groups responsible, disrupting their operations and also defeating the device once it is placed in the ground.
“The work was arduous and, at times, I was exposed to horrific scenes, but the hard work was worth it because you knew that you were making a difference and protecting not only Australian and coalition lives, but also Afghan civilians.
“I worked alongside very dedicated and talented people from all over the world who applied their skills to providing an essential operation.
“What was very obvious to me the whole time I was there was the extremely high regard that Australians are held in by our US and allied partners.
“Operational deployments are hard on the family and I was so lucky to be supported by my wife (also from Bega), three beautiful girls and my parents, Les and Carleen who were able to master Skype and communicate with me quite often,” Commander Maley said.
Commander Maley delivered the Anzac Day address at Avalon Beach.
