Navy People: Firing a missile is not something on everyone's resume
09 September 2010
Firing a missile is not something on everyone’s resume – but for Apsley local Zoe Mack, it now is.
The former Aspley High School student’s teenage dream of “doing something different” hit gold during Exercise RIMPAC 2010, a giant maritime exercise off Hawaii involving 14 Pacific Rim nations.
Zoe, now 25, pressed the button which successfully fired an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile from her ship, HMAS Newcastle. It was the final testing for the upgrade to the ship’s missile system.
Zoe, who has specialised as an electronics technician, said that firing the missile was both challenging and an adrenalin rush.
“I felt a lot of emotions in the lead up to firing the missile,” Zoe said. “I knew the amount of people who were taking an interest.”
“I heard it launch then tried to remain focused for the rest of the test.”
“It was an adrenalin rush - people go out and pay money to jump out of aeroplanes and this is what I get paid to do as a job!” she said.
“I knew that I wanted to join the Navy when I was 14. This has been my family for many years – it is my other home!”
“I have made friendships on board that will last a lifetime."
When asked if she would like to fire another missile, Zoe’s answer is obvious.
"It’s addictive. I want to do it again!"
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