NS Troops earn Meritorious Service Decorations

From the CBC:

Meritorious service award honours 4 N.S. military members

Award recognizes those who have made outstanding achievements

Several Nova Scotia members of the Canadian military were honoured with a Governor General’s award today in Ottawa. 

The Meritorious Service Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to recognize those who have made outstanding achievements “over a limited period of time,” according to the Governor General’s website.

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel William Rowe of Parrsboro is being recognized for his fast action when the tethering line on Canadian navy ship HMCS Athabaskan broke loose. The ship went adrift near Scatterie Island off Cape Breton while the vessel was being towed in rough seas.

“Rowe displayed technical acumen and perseverance while executing crucial repairs to the ship’s towline while at sea. Working in gale-force winds and three- to five-metre waves, he prevented the ship from running aground. Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Rowe’s initiative and unrelenting efforts directly resulted in the Athabaskan’s safe return,” said the news release for the awards.

Also being recognized for his service is Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery Kenney of Yarmouth for his intelligence work during the Afghanistan conflict. 

Capt. Shane Alexander Smith of Dartmouth is being recognized for his fast response to a medical emergency during a massive propane explosion in July of 2012 in Afghanistan.

Capt. Douglas Michael Charles Young of Halifax is being recognized because he “was the driving force behind the successful reshaping of the Maritime Operations structure.”

Go here to watch the video as Governor General David Johnston presents the awards.