Navy People: Navy Engineer thanks family for support during deployment

15 March 2010

Castlemaine’s Darryl McKenzie heading for pirate patrol off the Gulf of Aden but really appreciates the support of his wife, Bianca, son, Jack and his family back home.

“Serving overseas on important deployments is difficult enough,” Darryl said. “I know I can concentrate on the job at hand because I have the full support of everyone at home.”

Navy Lieutenant Darryl is a Weapons Electrical Engineer and his ship, HMAS Parramatta, sailed from Sydney on March 15. Darryl and his shipmates are expected to be away for six months.

“Our mission is to provide essential naval support to coalition maritime security operations and counter-terrorism in the Middle East Area of Operations,” Darryl said.

“As the Systems Engineer Officer onboard HMAS Parramatta, my job is to coordinate the maintenance and monitor the performance of all facilities that the Weapons Electrical department is responsible for,” said Darryl. “Whether it is an operational or physical deficiency, I am responsible until it is resolved.”

“My job always presents an opportunity to test myself and the experience is unique, both professionally and personally,” said Darryl. “Whilst I do not enjoy being away from the family, they are both at ease with Daddy going away to represent his country and its interests.”

“My son knows that I am an engineer and to him I fix ships. Just last week I overheard him saying to my wife that I must not be a very good engineer because the ship always seems to be broken and I have to be away from home!”

But there is no doubt what Darryl will miss most is his wife and son, and he’s already planning some treats when he gets home.

“After spending some time with the extended family, I have planned to treat Bianca and Jack with a trip to Disneyland,” said Darryl. “I would also love to visit the French Riviera, tour the Louvre, dine under the Eiffel Tower and live it up in London.”