On Friday 8 December, the ANI Vice President, Commodore Lee Goddard was awarded the French National Order of Mérite in a ceremony by the French Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr. Christophe Penot. The award was for Commodore Goddard’s service to the bi-lateral Defence relationship. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and the Deputy Chief of Navy, rear Admiral Mike Noonan.