Navy People: Noosa sailor serves under the stars
18 February 2010
Shane Russell has travelled a long way from Sunshine Beach High. This Noosa local has turned an interest in the hospitality industry into a job which can take him all over the world.
Now an Able Seaman in the Navy, Shane has specialised as a Steward. He is gaining qualifications that are recognised in private enterprise while he fulfils a dream of travel. The first big move has been across the country as Shane is now based aboard Navy frigate HMAS Anzac in WA.
“But I love it there,” Shane said. “The weather is similar to Noosa and the beaches are fantastic, it’s just a great lifestyle. I’ve been in the Navy coming up to four years but I have signed on again to an open ended contract. There are so many more things I want to do in Navy. It was an easy decision to stay on.”
As one of several stewards on board HMAS Anzac, Shane’s job requires a high standard of service, paying particular attention to the needs of the many high ranking VIPs who visit the ship.
“Anzac is commanded by the senior commanding officer in the fleet, so we often have people like the Chief of Navy and Chief of the Defence Force on board.”
“All the study and qualifications I earn here are transferrable to the civilian world so I am in a dream job while I am skilling up for the future.”
For the moment Shane is much nearer home. He’s now off the east coast, for four weeks, taking part in the Navy’s fleet concentration period as the ships practice for natural disaster and real conflict.
From there, Shane and his shipmates will deploy for three months, heading for New Zealand, then Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.
“I joined the Navy to serve on ships so I am thrilled to be on such an exciting trip. We are all looking forward to visiting Cambodia and I especially want to experience the culture and sights of such a different country,” said Shane.
