Navy People: Boigu man on pirate patrol

15 July 2010

Boigu Island’s Issac Ingui joined the Royal Australian Navy to see the world is and that is just what’s happening.

He and his 190 shipmates aboard HMAS Parramatta are on counter-piracy and counter-terrorism patrol in the Middle East Area for the next six months. This is Isaac’s first overseas operation.

Isaac has specialised as a Boatswain’s Mate, which means on-deck seamanship. He’s now been promoted to Able Seaman, and he’s now one of the warship’s qualified helmsman.

Isaac joined the Navy in 2008 and the first step was his basic training at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria.

“My job involves keeping watches on the gun direction platform, and as a helmsman on the ship’s bridge,” Isaac said.

“I’m also involved in using the ship’s small boats, painting and corrosion control, and I’m one of the small arms specialists too.

“On this deployment, we’ve also done a number of replenishments as sea [transferring stores from one ship to another] with US Warships whilst both ships are underway.”

“I get to see new places and I get paid to travel,” Isaac said. “On this trip alone, I’ve been to Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

“I’ve visited places a normal job would never allow you to do.”

Once his current deployment is complete, Isaac is looking forward to a well deserved break.

“I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time with my family and friends,” he said.

Isaac is also planning on furthering his career in the Navy.

“I hope to stay in Navy for a while, do my course, and reach the rank of Leading Seaman,” Isaac said.