Lieutenant-commander Janette Kingham (53) became just the second woman, and the first serving woman, to win the award since its inception in 2009.
She was presented with the award at a ceremony aboard HMNZS Canterbury in Wellington this week.
The accolade was in recognition of Lt-cmdr Kingham's work as induction trainer in the navy's recruit training squadron from 2011 to 2014.
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-general Tim Keating said Lt-cmdr Kingham had worked tirelessly to improve induction training and was a worthy recipient of the award.
''Lt-cmdr Kingham has made sure our defence force, and the navy in particular, will be sustained into the future with the delivery of well-trained young men and women,'' he said.
Candidates were judged on how well they exemplified the defence force's core values and how they applied them in their roles, Lt-gen Keating said.
''The foundations of our navy, army and air force are built upon the quality of our people and this begins with recruit training.
''Through Lt-cmdr Kingham's commitment and leadership, navy induction training has been transformed and now enjoys graduation rates of 97%.''
Lt-cmdr Kingham, who attended Logan Park High School before moving to Auckland to join the navy when she was 19, said she was thrilled to receive the award.
''It's a huge honour and I feel quite humbled about it.
''But I'm very proud of receiving it and it's great that a woman has received the award.''
Lt-cmdr Kingham said she had worked to refine training in her two and a-half years in the role to ensure young sailors were prepared for the navy of today.
The navy had adapted to a range of new technology and equipment in the 33 years she had been involved, she said.
Lt-cmdr Kingham is now with the HMNZS Philomel command.
