Navy People: "Generating" his own reward

30 July 2010

From Kyogle to Kuwait and in between, former Kyogle High student Daniel Boyd is experiencing life as a sailor in the Royal Australia Navy.

Now promoted to Able Seaman, Daniel has specialised as an electronic technician. He and his 180 shipmates onboard HMAS Parramatta are now on patrol in the Persian Gulf.

Joining the RAN in 2005, Daniel studied electronics at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria. He then specialised in combat and weapon control systems, studying at HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia.

“My role onboard involves the maintenance and daily running of the ship’s combat system — providing the combat system operators and the ships command team with reliable systems,” Daniel said.

“We also maintain the ship’s weapon systems.”

Daniel has travelled extensively around the waters of Australia with the Navy but this is his first deployment into foreign waters.

“It was a hard slog training for this run and ensuring the equipment we maintain was in good condition — but it was all preparation for the job we are doing now,” Daniel said.

“It’s good to see that the hard work and effort is being rewarded. The job we are doing here as a team is making a difference, making the region safer.”

“I am proud to continue the tradition of sailors who have served on HMAS Parramatta before in operations zones,” Daniel said.

HMAS Parramatta will be visiting numerous ports in the Middles East.

“The region we are sailing in is steeped with culture and history,” Daniel said.

“I hope to be able to experience first-hand the different ways of life and the diverse cultures of the region whilst I’m here.”

Being away from home can be a bit tough for sailors deploying for the first time, but Daniel and his shipmates will have the opportunity to take a well-earned break once they return to Australia.

“I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks leave and heading home to catch up with family and friends,” Daniel said.

Meanwhile Daniel is working on his promotion to Leading Seaman.

Daniel is part of the Australian Government’s military contribution to the war against terrorism, piracy and improving maritime security.