Navy People: Burra Man’s Gulf Adventure
21 June 2008
Burra’s James Martin, 25, is now sailing the waters of the Persian Gulf. He and his 180 shipmates aboard Navy frigate HMAS Stuart are safeguarding tow Iraqi oil terminals that bring in 80% of the country’s income, and chasing down contraband runners in Gulf waters.
Promoted to Able Seaman, James has specialised as a cook. “I cook for everyone on board, serving meals four times a day – it’s a lot of work!
“I’ve been in the Navy for seven years, and I’ve visited the Solomon Islands and most of South East Asia but this is my first deployment to the Middle East — my first experience of active duty.
“Getting to work with the boys from our crew and from other countries helping to rehabilitate Iraq has been a fantastic experience. I’ve also got a better understanding of what our personnel do out here — patrolling to keep the oil platforms safe.
“It’s a family thing serving in the Navy. I have a sister, a brother and two brothers-in-law that are currently serving, and my father was a pilot in the Royal Navy. My Mum was a chef, so I was pretty much destined to get the best of both worlds!”
James looks forward to getting back to Australia, to see his family, have a beer and sleep for a while. “It’s been good, but when the jobs done I’ll be happy to see home”, the sailor said.
James is one of approximately 1000 men and women serving with Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, and assist national recovery programs.
