Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2018-07-13
Invested on: 2021-05-27
As the commanding officer from March to August 2017 of HMCS Oriole, Lieutenant-Commander Wills demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional acumen and dedication when the ship undertook a 13,000-nautical-mile deployment over 111 days, from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Leading a novice crew, he displayed expert sailing skills while he commanded this tall ship across two oceans, despite difficult weather and sea conditions. He rigorously trained his crew and ensured their safety throughout the voyage, successfully accomplishing this remarkable feat of seamanship.