Navy People: Local Sailor serious about Sirius
5 October 2008
Canberra girl, Able Seaman Kristen Wishart has spent the past month sailing the South China Sea taking part in Exercise Bersama Lima in the replenishment ship HMAS Sirius.
Kristen joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in June 2001 at the age of 19 with the desire to try something new, different and exciting. That’s exactly what she got!
Kristen’s ten week initial recruit training at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria, involved all facets of Navy life from survival at sea to weapons training, to team building. This was followed by Kristen’s specialist category training as a Steward where she achieved a Certificate IV in Hospitality and Catering through Chisholm TAFE.
“My job being part of the Navy is extremely rewarding. Where else would you be able to see the world and have no two days the same?” Kristen said.
The primary role of a Steward is to provide hospitality to officers, both ashore and at sea. This includes valet services to heads of department and command, as well as servicing functions such as cocktail parties, special guest events, mess dinners and ships’ balls. In addition to her job as a Steward, Kirsten is a part of the Ship’s Medical Emergency Team, commonly called a SMET and the ship’s Standing Sea Fire Party.
“The social interaction of my job is great; the ship’s company becomes your family and you make close friends for life”.
In 2003, Kristen was accepted to be apart of the Australian Defence Force Federation Guard where sailors, soldiers and airmen of all three services hone their military style to perform precision drill at parades, marches and other ceremonial events. As a member of the guard, Kristen got the opportunity to visit Hawaii and London.
“In the Navy there are always opportunities to learn and further your skills”.
Born in 1982, Kristen completed her schooling in Canberra and completed her senior year studies at Lanyon High School, and graduated from year 12 at Tuggeranong College. Kristen enjoyed sports including basketball, netball, volleyball, outdoor adventuring throughout her schooling and loves to tackle the walls in rock climbing.
“I have had a fantastic time over the last 7 years in the Navy, and I have travelled the world and the lifestyle has certainly lived up to my expectations”.
The highlight of Kristen’s career has been travelling across the world and the host of differing cultures she has been able to experience. Even though Kirsten is currently posted to Western Australia, she still regularly visits Canberra where her family still calls home.
