Navy People: Marion Man Heads Back to Sea
17 February 2008
Marion sailor Greg Pusey left his Mum, Dad and both brothers back home sixteen years ago, and now he’s cruising the high seas. But there’s still a familiar ring to his travelling — he’s aboard Navy patrol boat HMAS Glenelg, named after the neighbouring suburb of his youth.
“I did all of my schooling at Marion Primary and Marion High Schools, and played football for West Adelaide Football Club until I was 16.
“But I had always had an interest in the Navy — I thought it provided an opportunity to gain an apprenticeship and a trade.
“I joined as an apprentice fitter and machinist back in January 1992. I spent the next 6 years on patrol boats until my promotion to Petty Officer. Then I instructed the Patrol Boat Course and Intermediate Diesels whilst becoming a qualified TAFE teacher.
“Then, in 2005, I achieved my civilian Marine Engineer Class 3 Certificate — which enables me to be a chief engineer on a civilian vessel. In early 2006 I achieved my Marine Technical Charge Certificate and was posted as the Chief Engineer on the patrol boat HMAS Geraldton, one of the 20-year old Fremantle until she decommissioned.
“Now I am the Chief Engineer on Glenelg, the Navy’s newest patrol boat. I am responsible for the operation, maintenance and readiness of all main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and systems onboard. This includes working with external agencies to ensure that any defects are fixed. I am also responsible for all Damage Control (fire/flood) incidents onboard whilst at sea.
“Although I have spent my career on patrol boats I have still been lucky enough to have been on a couple of deployments to New Guinea and the south West Pacific as well as a Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Cambodia.
“I love my job – especially this deployment, because it allows me to be responsible for the running and maintenance of NUSHIP Glenelg as well as passing on the knowledge that I have gained — and be a role model to junior members of my department.
“When I get back home from this deployment, I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my wife and hopefully get away together for a while!
