Navy People: Third time around for Newcastle sailor
1 February 2010
It’s a long way from Newcastle to the Northern Persian Gulf, but for Chief Petty Officer Cass Diver the journey’s definitely been worth the effort.
This is the third time Chief Petty Officer Diver has been deployed to the Middle East. She is now working in the Northern Persian Gulf for Operation Catalyst, onboard the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Stuart. She has previously served in the Middle East in 2004 and 2007.
Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.
Chief Petty Officer Diver feels her supportive family and being part of the Naval Cadets when she was a child had an influence on her choice of career. Chief Petty Officer Diver is looking forward to spending time with her mother and catching up with friends when she returns to Wallsend from deployment.
Chief Petty Officer Diver joined the Navy in 1992 and continues to enjoy her challenging job. She specialised in Electronics Technical Systems and did her initial training at HMAS Cerberus. Chief Petty Officer Diver now works in the Weapons Electrical Engineering Department Regulator.
“I am in charge of all sensors and communications systems onboard. My job involves organising personnel, manning requirements, configuration management and the day to day running of the Department.
“I enjoy being able to train and guide younger personnel through their careers and assisting in their development to become better Sailors,” Chief Petty Officer Diver said.
“The work is extremely challenging and different every day so I could never be bored with it. Even though I do not get to do much hands-on work with the Systems anymore I still occasionally get to assist with defects,” she said.
“I am going to organise a holiday to Egypt at the end of the year for myself and Mum,” she said.
Since joining the Navy, Chief Petty Officer Diver has travelled all over the world.
She’s been to South and North East Asia, New Zealand, Hawaii, the Middle East and Christmas Island.
