Navy People: Getting paid to learn
22 November 2010
Seamen Andrew Papaconstantinos and Blake Vanderberg, both trainee technicians, are on HMAS Tobruk for two months electronics training at sea.
Andrew went to Edmund Rice College and played soccer for the Unanderra Hearts before he joined the Navy to get a trade in electronics.
“I wanted to try something out of the ordinary and get out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I’m getting paid to learn while traveling the world
Andrew and Blake first met during their electronics course and they became mates.
“We know a lot of the same people in Wollongong because of sport and because we both go to the North Gong Hotel and the German Club,” Andrew said.
“Through the Navy I’ve met more people from Wollongong that I’m now mates with, like Nick Touhey and Mitchell Jaklic.”
Former Oak Flats High School student and member of the Yellow Rock Motorcycle Club, Blake said he had already traveled to three countries in three weeks.
“I’ve really enjoyed the new people,” Blake said. “I’m visiting places with my friends that most people have never heard of — including me!”
“Having lived in the same place for almost 20 years I have a lot of catching up to do.”
Blake is enjoying the Navy so much he has convinced two friends from his year in school, Jade Bruce and Coen Powell, to join the Navy. “They have already started their basic training at HMAS Cerberus,” he said.
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