Serving their nation ... Victorian sailors Simon Yates and Emily Ettridge at HMAS Cerberus. Picture: Jason Sammon. Source: News Corp Australia

The 25-year-old Navy medic — who followed her siblings into the job almost a decade ago — will be awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in today’s Australia Day Honours.

Family tradition ... Emily Ettridge joined the Navy straight from school. Source: Supplied

The patriotic Leading Seaman has received the award for her work as a first aid recruit instructor at the HMAS Cerberus training academy in Victoria.

“I feel very lucky to have been raised in such an amazing country,” she said.

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“Australia Day is an opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond and to welcome those who want to be part of our country and one of us.”

The former Adelaide girl joined the Navy straight from school more than seven years ago following in the footsteps of her brother and stepbrother.

Her stepdad and grandfather were both in the RAAF and her husband Luke Ettridge is a Navy physical training instructor.

Leading Seaman Ettridge, who served a six-month deployment to the Middle East on board the frigate HMAS Stuart, plans to remain the navy after the birth of her fist child later this year.

“Being at sea really makes you appreciate Australia and seeing other countries makes you realise how lucky we are and not to take things for granted.”

Proud ... Emily Ettridge received the award for her work as a first-aid recruit instructor at the HMAS Cerberus training academy. Picture: News Corp Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

Petty Officer Simon Yates will celebrate Australia Day with a barbecue and a few cold beers at home in Melbourne with family and friends.

He will also receive the CSM today for his work in the Boatswain training course at Cerberus.

The 13-year Navy veteran joined the senior service after working in a variety of jobs including stint in the army.

Honoured ... Petty Officer Boatswain Simon Yates has served on five overseas deployments. Source: Supplied

The 45-year-old has been married to Fiona for 25 years and they have a daughter Constance who is 21. Both women are very proud of his award.

He has served on five overseas deployments including a stint in the Middle East in 2005 on board HMAS Newcastle.

To him the most important thing about being Australian is the freedom and the lifestyle that we enjoy.

“Our job helps to protect those freedoms,” he said.

“The reason we are out there at sea is to defend the rights and freedoms of Australia.”

During his Middle East deployment he took part in 35 boardings going aboard everything from fishing dhows to super tankers.

He has visited numerous other countries but his heart is always at home.

“I love Australia it is just a great place to live.”