Navy People: The Navy seemed a logical choice
19 January 2011
Thuringowa’s Chris Wardle, 23, knows exactly what he’ll be doing in the middle of this year — he’ll be fishing off John Brewer and sinking a beer or two at Irish Finnigans in Cannon Park.
But until then, he’ll be on a maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aden.
The young Sub-Lieutenant farewelled his parents Max and Julie just before New Year’s Eve, and set sail with his 190 shipmates aboard HMAS Stuart for the Middle East.
In 2005 the Thuringowa High School graduate traded in his job at Target, hung up his Bulldogs shirt, and joined the Navy. Now he’s got a chemistry degree from the Australian Defence Force Academy, and he’s specialised as a Maritime Warfare officer.
“We lived close to the ocean and I enjoyed being on it,” said Chris. “The Navy seemed a natural choice.”
Chris has already been on border protection operations aboard Armidale Class patrol boats, and he picked up an Australian Active Service Medal earlier this year for time in the Gulf.
“That was a bit of a cheat though,” he said. “I flew out to replace someone who had to come home — but this time I’ll be away for the whole six months."
HMAS Stuart is an ANZAC class frigate. Its formidable armament includes a 5-inch gun, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, self-defence missiles, torpedoes and a Sea Hawk helicopter for long-range work.
“As a Junior Warfare Officer my job will be to manage the ship’s sea-boats and boarding parties."
“It will also be a great chance to save some money, so when it’s over I’m thinking of investing in a house,” said Chris, “But first I’ll just be coming home to chill out.”
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