Navy People: A Man on a Mission
13 October 2010
Alec Fieldsend joined the Navy in 2006, and since then he has snorkelled in the Maldives and visited the magical middle eastern city of Oman. But Alec’s destinations aren’t always so glamorous.
Alec and his shipmates aboard HMAS Tarakan are now heading home from Pacific Partnership 2010, an annual US-led humanitarian mission to south-east Asia.
“Our mission was to provide humanitarian assistance to the local people of remote areas of Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea” said Alec.
“I now have a much greater appreciation of ongoing operations that we undertake!”
Graduating Southport High, Alec’s first task in uniform was to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Business Management at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He graduated last year and has joined HMAS Tarakan to continue his training.
“I like being a seaman officer for various reasons; seeing a perfect clear night sky to a new sunrise, being able to travel the world over and always the opportunity to challenge myself,” he said.
The humanitarian mission has certainly been a positive experience.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to work with, and make new friends with other aid workers from all over the world. It is good feeling that you are contributing to a mission that makes a big difference to so many people’s lives.”
Alec’s next big step will be the biggest test of his early career, the Fleet Board, which will test his seamanship and navigation knowledge before he moves to the next stage of his profession.
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