Navy People: Communicating across nationalities
21 June 2011
Darwin local, Able Seaman Andrew Baldwin originally from Launceston, Tasmania, is currently experiencing the challenges and opportunities of communicating with people of many different countries.
Andrew is a Communication and Information Systems sailor onboard HMAS Betano, a Landing Craft Heavy that is currently employed on Pacific Partnership 2011.
Pacific Partnership is a US-led humanitarian aid mission that aims to strengthen alliances and promote multilateral security cooperation in the South Pacific. The mission will visit Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Federated States of Micronesia.
HMAS Betano in company with HMAS Balikpapan is responsible for vital ship to shore transport of people, equipment and stores in both Vanuatu and Timor-Leste.
They recently transported a 36-strong medical and dental team to Tangua, Vanuatu where the team conducted 3 days of medical, dental, pharmacy and optometry work.
Andrew has control over all voice, data and visual traffic that enters or leaves Betano including communicating with other ships via visual Morse code and flags.
During the trip to Tangua Andrew witnessed many patients receiving medication for their ailments.
“Seeing the patients’ faces when they realised the medication would help them with their pain and seeing their eyes just light up was the best feeling.
“I also played soccer with some of the local kids – they were so enthusiastic and friendly. It was great fun spending time with them.”
Andrew joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2004 and has had the opportunity to serve on a number of ships. His favourite posting was in HMAS Parramatta, in particular his deployment to the Persian Gulf where he was awarded a commendation for his outstanding service to Command. He is also enjoying the unique operational activities and the professional ship’s company of HMAS Betano.
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