Navy People: Never too late
20 October 2010
Redcliffe’s Henry Davidian, 51, is living proof that it’s never too late to have a new adventure.
More years ago than he cares to remember Henry headed off to Queenland College of Art then studied photography at Griffith University. After working in advertising and fashion in Sydney, he joined giant chemical company Bayer and became involved in crop science. He also managed to fit in some time mining in Tasmania.
Then, in 2006 aged 47, he decided to join the Royal Australian Navy.
“I’d been in the Army Reserve for a while before I went travelling overseas, and really enjoyed it,” said Henry.
“It turned out I was still eligible to rejoin and I jumped at it. I was still fit and I thought it was time to start learning again,”
These days Henry has been promoted to Able Seaman and specialised as an airframe technician. He’s based at the Navy’s giant airbase at Nowra, just south of Wollongong. When they are at sea, Navy helicopters are based aboard warships and are not only used for reconnaissance but as submarine hunters.
“I’m with 816 Squadron — so I’m working hard at the pointy end of defence,” said Henry. “So far I’ve only had two weeks sea-time, but I’m not complaining too much as I’ve now met Karen, a local Currawong girl.
“My brother Gilbert still lives in Sandgate and I’m sure I’ll be bringing Karen home soon to meet everyone.”
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