Navy People: Sights set on command

20 February 2010

Balkham Hills sailor Kimberley Feighan has already mapped out her future in what was once a men-only domain. The former Castle Hill High student is now a Navy Sub Lieutenant under training as a seaman officer— the officers that actually stand on the bridge and ‘drive’ the ship.

These days she is normally based at Sydney aboard guided missile frigate HMAS Darwin but now she and her shipmates are heading up the east coast to joins ten other Navy vessels for four weeks of exercises. They will be practising their skills for disaster relief operations and real conflict.

Kimberley has been hearing sea stories since she was at her father’s knee. “My dad was a communications sailor in the Navy for 21 years before he retired from sea duty in 1998,” says Kimberley.

“Dad was such a good leader, he was the first role model I had and he still is.”

Kimberley is nearing the completion of the first major milestone for Seaman Officers in the Navy.

“By the time I finish this posting to HMAS Darwin, I expect to be awarded my bridge warfare certificate, which means I can represent the Commanding Officer on the bridge,” said Kimberley.

Working long and demanding shifts on the Bridge, Kimberley is still incredibly enthusiastic about what she does.

“Don’t get me wrong, it does get stressful and I have my ups and downs, but I am so excited to have this opportunity,” she said.

“I’m definitely still my old self, but the Navy training the Navy has grown my leadership skills to grow and helped with managing my time better.”

It is a path that she hopes will eventually see her as second-in-charge on an Armidale class patrol boat, then returning to major war vessels as a senior mariner.