Navy People: Elizabeth Sailor on Adelaide’s Last Voyage

25 November 2007

Elizabeth’s Darren Young, 20, joined the Navy straight from school and he’s just back from HMAS Adelaide (II)’s last overseas deployment before she is decommissioned this weekend.

"I joined the Navy in 2005 straight from Smithfield Plains High School. My Grandad joined for the Second World War and he was a bit of an influence on me at a young age!"

In his short time afloat, Darren has certainly seen a bit of the world — from around Australia to Christmas Island (three times), East Timor, and Adelaide’s last voyage which took in India, Cambodia, Thailand Malaysia and Singapore.

"I’ve now been promoted to Able Seaman and specialized as a cook — I’ve already completed Certificate 2 in Food and Hospitality. When we’re at sea, I also get an additional role in the ship’s Medical Emergency Team. But as a cook, my specialty is baking 'Duffs' (Navy-speak for dessert)."

"I find the job rewarding, I receive compliments on my cooking from the crew most days.
My bosses encourage me to improve all the time. And you are recognized for the hard work that you do."

But cooking is only the first step for Darren. His medium-term aim is to become a Boatswain’s Mate, which means small arms, on-deck seamanship, and being a member of boarding parties.

"I’ve set the wheels in motion for a transfer to a Boatswains Mate — it’ll be an interesting change in career."

"But you meet a lot of interesting characters in the Navy. I have learnt to listen to people and have respect for different walks of life. We all try to keep the motivation up as it can become stressful meeting our daily deadlines! But we catch up for beers after work when ashore. And when I’m at sea I keep going with the support of my girlfriend. We email pretty much every day."