Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Nat Thomason was awarded the Silver Commendation Medal by Wing Commander Chris Meddins on behalf of Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith during an All Call at the Air Force Institute of Technology on 18 May.

Thomason is an electrical engineering master’s student at AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management studying RADAR sequence.

The medal was awarded in honor of Thomason’s achievements as a system engineer for Project AIR6500 Phase 1 Tranche 2 Competitive Evaluation Process Stage 2. AIR6500 is a Joint Air Battle Management System designed to synchronize air and missile defense operations, improve situational awareness and enhance the speed of decision making within the Royal Australian Air Force.

Thomason was extremely happy to be recognized for the award.

“My team and I did our very best to produce a document which will enable the acquisition of a fit for purpose integrated air and defense system for the Australian Air Force,” said Thomason.

The medal commendation states that Thomason’s efforts in the delivery of a high quality, logical and well-structured function and performance specification cannot be understated. Noting the challenges presented due to the unique first of type and agile delivery methodology which defense has not previously encountered in an acquisition categorization 1 project activity before.

Thomason’s ability to manage these challenges, in addition to shortened delivery periods, resource pressures and the short notice absence of his team lead, far exceeded expectations. Despite these challenges, the quality of the resultant function and performance specification has been widely recognized at senior levels in AIR6500, both at Air Force Headquarters and Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, as well as by industry.

His achievements are of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Department of Defense.