Commanding Officer Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Assail Five
Lieutenant Commander Samuel Woolrych, RAN
Lieutenant Commander Samuel R. J. Woolrych, RAN is from the Sunshine Coast in QLD. He attended high school at Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Buderim, prior to joining the RAN in 1998. He was commissioned as a Midshipman in the RAN and commenced study at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). After a most enjoyable time he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2000. Subsequently he has gained a Masters Degree in Management.
His training as a Maritime Warfare Officer (MWO) commenced in early 2001 and during this period of training gained experience in postings to HMA Ships Tobruk, Yarra, and Gawler. Woolrych was posted to HMA Ship Adelaide (II) for the final stages of his MWO training. He achieved his Bridge Warfare Certificate and was promoted to SBLT whilst in Adelaide (II) during 2002. SBLT Woolrych then aligned his career towards Navigation and completed Intermediate Navigation course in 2003, Long Navigation Course in 2005 and Advanced Navigation Course in 2007.
Throughout his career LCDR Woolrych has navigated HMA Ships Yarra, Geraldton, Stuart, Sydney and Kanimbla. Each posting has provided many challenges and unique experiences all of which have been incredibly fulfilling. Highlights have included conducting OP ANODE in Yarra (2004), exercise RIMPAC and SE Asian deployments in Stuart and Kanimbla, and participating in the disaster relief efforts in Indonesia during OP PADANG assist in Kanimbla.
During some brief shore respite in 2007, Woolrych was posted to the Navigation faculty at HMAS Watson during which time he instructed all levels of navigation courses and Acted as OIC while there was no incumbent in the position.
To complete his training as a MWO, Woolrych was selected for Principle Warfare Officer (PWO) training in the first half of 2008 at HMAS Watson. On completion of this course he was awarded the Sydney-Emden Prize for Dux of course and the Sword of Excellence for the top student of all PWO courses during 2008.
LCDR Woolrych assumed Command of the Darwin based Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Assail Five on 04 January 2010.
He is married to Rebecca and while they don’t have children their dog Stitch thinks he is human. After many years in Sydney they are looking forward to making the most of everything on offer in the Top End.
