Navy People: Sherriff onboard Sirius

6 October 2008

Local lad Jim Harrod has just arrived home after spending the past month sailing the South China Sea, taking part in Exercise Bersama Lima onboard the replenishment ship HMAS Sirius.

Prior to joining the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1978, Jim enjoyed Rugby in his local haunts, including Rooty Hill RSL and the Mt Druitt Dragons. Jim went to Rooty Hill High School before joining the RAN with his motive to travel the world.

Jim has been married for 27 years to wife Sandra, and has three children, Sean, 26, Melinda, 24 and Tenielle, 16, who all now call Perth home.

Initially Jim signed on as a Marine Technician but later changed category and became a Steward. In 1987, after nine years of being a Steward, Jim took an interest in becoming a Naval Police Coxswain.

Jim’s role as a Naval Police Coxswain is primarily to maintain the discipline of all Navy personnel. Onboard Sirius, Jim is the Whole Ship Coordinator responsible for the Watch and Station Bill. Jim has a large input into what happens onboard which leaves his job with plenty of variety and it is extremely rewarding.

“My job onboard Sirius is very challenging and there is a lot to deal with at any given time,” Jim said.

Jim has taken part in a host of deployments over his 30 year career, starting with a Gulf Deployment in 1990, Timor in 2002, Bougainville in 2003-04 and Iraq in 2005. He has also had the opportunity to visit ports including Singapore (this being his 38th trip to Singapore), Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, and Malaysia as well as trips throughout the South Pacific.

“I love the job because it is a challenging and rewarding career and I get to do it in all parts of the world. All the deployments I have been a part of have been highlights in addition to being promoted to a Chief Petty Officer.”