Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2006-01-18
Invested on: 2006-04-28
During the afternoon of October 5, 2004, a major fire broke out on board HMCS Chicoutimi. The submarine quickly filled with black, acrid smoke and was left without power. Petty Officer 1st Class Rice’s ingenuity and outstanding technical knowledge started and kept one diesel engine running manually, providing the required ventilation for the ship. The engine was kept running for 145 consecutive hours, without the benefit of any established procedures or control systems, a feat later deemed to have been technically unachievable. Petty Officer 1st Class Rice’s professional experience and sheer determination gave those in command options and ensured that the crew would not have to abandon their submarine.