Navy People: Hurstville Sailor’s Diplomatic Role

10 July 2008

Hurstville sailor Michael Herbert, 19, found his Navy career meant being an ambassador as well as a sailor.

It was during a recent visit to Vanuatu aboard HMAS Melbourne — Michael’s first overseas deployment.

Michael and his shipmates hosted local dignitaries at official functions, and liaised with the Vanuatu Defence Force through a bilateral military program. They also helped out the local community by refurbishing school facilities in Port Villa — and the school-children so impressed them that they organised a donation from the ship’s welfare fund to help the school buy more books.

“Although I been on operations in Australian waters I really enjoyed Vanuatu and I am looking forward to our deployment to Singapore later in the year.”

“Being away from family and friends can be tough, but the experiences I’ve gained so far have been great and I can rely on the support of my family. Later I hope to train as a Clearance Diver and eventually become a specialist diving officer in the Navy.”