Navy People: Cyber warrior ahoy
8 December 2010
Few people have packed away their gray and black Cranbrook United soccer shirt as fast as Penrith’s Brendan Clarke.
“I’d gone for an interview with the Navy and the next thing I was on the plane to HMAS Cerberus near Melbourne,” said Brendan, now 26.
Brendan’s parents both work in the Health system. His father, Wayne, is an electrician at Mount Druitt Hospital, and mum Robyn is a clerk at Nepean Hospital so, after finishing up at Bede Polding College, Brendan worked as a wardsman for three years at Nepean.
Then his life changed. Brendan has become a cyber-warrior.
“In the Navy I’ve specialised in cryptological systems, which means electronic security, codes and stuff,” said Brendan.
“In April I got back from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden, where I’d been on anti-piracy and narcotics patrol,” he said. “It means I’m able to wear the Australian Active Service Medal.
“Socially it’s been great. I’ve met a lot of people and made some good friends from all over Australia, and all ages too, a really good variety.
“I’m now based at HMAS Albatross at Nowra, the Navy’s big air-base. It’s the home of the Fleet Air Arm.
“For the future I’ll probably be going back to sea, maybe even on ships that are still being built — like the air warfare destroyer or the new Landing Helicopter Dock —amphibious landing ships. The first one is now being built in Spain.
“But long before then I’ll be heading back to Penrith for my buck’s night. My brother Ryan is my best man, and he’s also a policeman — so I’ll have my own personal security!
“I can’t wait to see my fiancée Alesha Danaher. Our son Thomas is only two and he’s already moved house once!”
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