Albatross road-runner marks 20-year milestone
3 November 2010 By Michael Brooke
When CPO Simon Butterworth was approaching the dual milestones of 20 years in the RAN and turning 41, he decided to do something significant not just for himself and the RAN, but also for charity.
To mark the milestones, especially the life-changing decision to join the Navy, CPO Butterworth jogged and shuffled 190km from HMAS Albatross (Captain Stefan King) to HMAS Kuttabul (Commander Christine Clarke) in exactly 30 hours.
CPO Butterworth, a cryptologist linguist with the RAN Tactical Electronic Warfare Support Section, performed the run from Nowra to Sydney’s Woolloomooloo completely unassisted.
“Most people might have celebrated with a few beers, but the run was a good way to mark the 20-year milestone, because joining the Navy was the best decision I have ever made,” he said.
“The run also enabled me to raise money for the PCYC (local Police charity) which provides breakfasts for schools and youth establishments,” he said.
With only a banana for his breakfast, CPO Butterworth began his run from Albatross’ gangway on October 15, with the CO, SWO and many wellwishers cheering his departure.
Although his iPod died just three hours into his voyage, CPO Butterworth plodded on relentlessly, snacking on carbo-gels and electrlite drinks which gave him the sustenance to keep ‘shuffling’ through the night – until he reached Sydney’s city limits.
“I got to the city limits at about 5am when the weather turned particularly nasty, which created the temptation to simply jump on a train for the remainder of the journey to Kings Cross,” he said.
“But I’m glad I kept going because this is a milestone I can look back on with pride.”
Navy recognised CPO Butterworth’s milestone by fast-tracking his 20-year service certificate, which was presented by Kuttabul’s CO, CMDR Christine Clarke, on the flight deck of HMAS Parramatta during the Navy Week open day.
“This is really an unexpected surprise, but the real reward is the privilege of being able to have served two decades – and hopefully longer – in the RAN,” CPO Butterworth said.
The local media also recognised the significance of CPO Butterworth’s 190km jog and shuffle and conducted numerous radio and print interviews, raising awareness of Navy among important public stakeholders.
