Navy People: Bairnsdale bloke to ship-shape sailor

1 February 2010

“When I tell people that I’m on the Navy patrol boats in Darwin, they immediately think I’m on Sea Patrol,” said Bairnsdale local Jarrod Dempster, 21.

Now promoted to Able Seaman, Jarrod is currently doing his part to protect Australia’s maritime borders from illegal activity such as foreign fishing and people smuggling as part of Operation RESOLUTE.

Jarrod attended Nagle College and never had any doubt about his career path. “Through my senior years my dream was to join the Navy,” he said, “and I knew that when my school years were over, that’s what I was going to do.”

In November 2006, Jarrod packed his bags and enlisted with the Senior Service. “My first thoughts when I got there were – why did I choose to do this? Why did I volunteer to get woken up at 4 in the morning to do marching practice and get yelled at?” said Jarrod.

He soon found that amongst the military discipline and hardship, quality friendships were formed and fun was had. Jarrod especially enjoyed fighting fires and floods, firing weapons at the range, and working with his team mates to navigate through muddy obstacle courses.

After graduating from Recruit Training School and then qualifying as a Marine Technician, Jarrod first served in HMAS Manoora, one of the Navy’s large amphibious transport ships. It was onboard that he experienced the highlight of his career to date.

“During a three day visit to Samoa, I volunteered to help rebuild a house for abused and abandoned children. Seeing how grateful they were is something I won’t ever forget,” said Jarrod.

It also gave Jarrod something to think about. “I realised how much we take for granted when something as small as a glow stick can make a kid’s day.”