Commanding Officer HMAS Paluma
Lieutenant Commander Mhanda Tokesi, RAN
Lieutenant Commander Mhanda S.A Tökesi, RAN joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1995 on completion of Year 12 at Brisbane State High School. A keen sportswoman, representing Queensland and winning at the National Titles for rowing, her time at the Australian Defence Force Academy allowed a continuation of this pursuit whilst conducting her officer training and gaining a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Management.
After completing initial training as a Seaman Officer, Lieutenant Commander Tökesi joined the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Bendigo as the Fourth Officer in 1999 where she was awarded her Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate before joining HMAS Gascoyne as a part of the commissioning crew. During this period, Lieutenant Commander Tökesi participated with the Navy team in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which eventually led to a posting to Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour. This has been one of her most enjoyed postings to date as the opportunity to facilitate the personal development of Australia’s youth in a challenging environment was found to be extremely rewarding.
Lieutenant Commander Tökesi undertook her H2 Hydrographic Officers Course at HMAS Penguin in 2002. Following postings included Officer in Charge Detached Surveys HS BLUE and Executive Officer to HMA Ships Shepparton and Paluma prior to commencing her Post Graduate Diploma and Advanced Hydrographic Surveying at HMS DRAKE, UK in 2007.
Upon her return from the UK, Lieutenant Commander Tökesi was posted as the Senior Assistant Surveyor HS RED, a position which involved the co-ordination of the ship’s surveys and the attached survey boats. A highlight was the discovery of a 130 year-old wreck in Shoalwater Bay.
Lieutenant Commander Tökesi assumed command of the Survey Motor Launch HMAS Paluma in June 2009.
Lieutenant Commander Tökesi spends her free time volunteering with the State Emergency Service as well as at community events and enjoys taking her border collie dogs camping and to the beach.
