Navy People: Fulfilling a life long dream
21 June 2011
Darwin local, Able Seaman Matthew Watson has always wanted to join the military and now, at 19 years he is living his dream.
Matthew chose to join the Navy after leaving school because of the option to travel – a goal he’s certainly achieving! Since joining in 2008 Matthew has spent time in Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and now the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
Matthew is a Marine Technician 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 three days of medical, dental, pharmacy and optometry work.
Matthew describes his job as a mechanic for the ship – he is responsible for the maintenance and management of the engines onboard. Whilst at Tangua he was also able to utilise some of his other skills.
“I’m really enjoying this experience. I’ve played soccer with the children, helped fix the fuel tank of the truck that takes the local kids to school and even fixed a door that didn’t lock properly,” Matthew said.
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