Navy People: Meet Christopher Reichmann from Langwarrin, Victoria

27 July 2010

With water in his blood from an early age, it is no surprise that Langwarrin’s Christopher Reichmann became a Navy clearance diver, the Navy’s SAS.

Christopher’s stepfather was a spearfisherman, and Christopher began diving at the age of ten.

As a clearance diver, Christopher has now specialising in mine counter-measures — rendering sea-mines harmless, often while they are still in position — and he is now developing his skills even further in Hawaii.

It’s the first trip overseas with the Navy for the former Karingal Park Secondary College student, as part of a big multi-national Exercise RIMPAC.

“RIMPAC is great,” Christopher said. “It’s exciting to get to go overseas, to do your job in a different environment — and the water around Oahu is really clear.”

Christopher has been involved in diving operations that included locating mines and disarming them, but the Australians have not been alone. Sharing the facilities at Hickam Air Force Base, next to Pearl Harbor, are divers from other participating nations including the Canadians, the French and the United States.

“One of the most enjoyable parts of the exercise so far has been to interact with divers from other countries,” Christopher said.

“It’s good to see how they go about their processes. I’ve enjoyed working with the US – they’re really friendly.”

Christopher is looking forward to seeing a bit more of the island when the exercise has finished and will enjoy a few days back at home in Australia before returning to work.