Navy People: Life on the ocean wave
16 December 2010
Last year Beecroft’s Matthew Stobo graduated from Knox Grammar School, but next year he could be anywhere.
Matthew trained as an army cadet for five years, but his interest in sailing decided him to opt for a life on the ocean wave in the Royal Australian Navy.
Matthew has just graduated from the New Entry Officer Course at Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay. During his five months at HMAS Creswell, Matthew has been able to gain experience in everything from survival at sea to boat work, leak stop and repair, firefighting and weapons training.
“What I have learnt here is quite a bit different to my training with the army cadets. I have really enjoyed my initial training with the Navy. It seems like I have learnt so much in such a short period of time,” Matthew said.
“The best thing about the training is the ‘mate-ship’. I have made friends from all around Australia. Going through the training you form really good friendships with those around you. I have made friends here that I will have for life.
“Like all the trainees, I had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand to embark in HMNZS Canterbury. It was such a great experience to be able to work with the New Zealand crew and learn how their ships operate. It was great to be out at sea.
“Our training also involved leadership exercises and activities, which is the basis of our officer training at Creswell. We were taught how to manage teams of people using our own leadership styles to achieve set tasks.
“I felt quite proud being graduating in front of family and friends. I am looking forward to having some time off over Christmas, catching up with family and going to the beach with friends.”
At the beginning of 2011, Matthew will begin his training as a Maritime Warfare Officer at HMAS Watson, Watsons Bay, Sydney. As a trainee Maritime Warfare Officer, Matthew will learn how to navigate a ship and manage the bridge team as the Commanding Officer’s representative.
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