Navy People: Heading Home from Piracy Patrol

20 October 2009

Albury's Andrew Harvey, 25, is on his way home after six months patrolling the Horn of Africa. He and his 180 shipmates aboard HMAS Stuart will be disembarking on Australian soil later in April.

It's often said that you join the navy to see the world, and this has certainly been the case for Andrew. During his seven years in uniform he had already deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Catalyst in 2004/05, to South East Asia in 2005 and 2007, plus many deployments to Christmas Island, East Timor and Fiji.

Andrew has specialised as a combat systems operator and has been promoted to Leading Seaman. “On board HMAS Stuart I am an anti surface/subsurface aircraft controller,” Andrew said.

“My job involves many roles from detecting and tracking both surface and air contacts. The main role is control of ship-borne and shore-based aircraft for a range of tactical roles including surface and subsurface warfare.”

Andrew has also distinguished himself since enlisting, winning Aircraft Controller Student Of The Year in 2007 and twice receiving Commanding Officer Commendations ― once while in HMAS Adelaide (II) and once while in HMAS Success.

Andrew says his immediate goals are to complete his current deployment and to continue with promotions. When asked what he is now looking forward to, he says: “The introduction of new ships with new technology, which should see a large increase in the navy’s capability."