Navy People: Jessica sees the world

15 July 2010

From the Apple Island to tropical Hawaii, Strahan’s Jessica Thompson, 21, is now taking part in Exercise RIMPAC 2010— one of the largest Naval exercises in the world involving 14 Pacific Rim nations.

It started when Jessica attended a recruiting day and visited a Navy ship during high school.

Since joining in May 2008, Jessica has specialised as a combat information systems officer, been promoted to Able Seaman, and already had a few overseas deployments.

She’s been to New Zealand, participated in Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 off the Queensland coast, was part of Operation Padang Assist after the Sumatra earthquake, and now Exercise RIMPAC on board HMAS Kanimbla.

“The travel’s been pretty good,” said Jessica, “But this is the longest time I’ve been away from home. I already miss my Mum.”

Jessica said that participating in RIMPAC will give her many opportunities to see how other countries operate and, in particular, see aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. It’s the biggest of the 30 ships taking part.

“I am looking forward to being in company with so many ships. I have never done an exercise this big,” she said.

“When we were fuelling up, the Ronald Reagan was pulling up alongside. It was pretty amazing — huge!”

Although Jessica has been working hard to prepare for HMAS Kanimbla’s deployment on RIMPAC, she and her shipmates have also been able to experience the hospitality and culture of Hawaii.

“The people here are really friendly and relaxed,” she said.