Navy People: West Aussie takes it to the Eastern States

18 February 2010

Geraldton’s Glynn Parry is a man on a mission, and it is taking him to eastern Australia, then on to New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.

This former Kellscott High student joined the Navy six years ago and he is now an Able Seaman. He has specialised as a Bosun’s Mate, which means on-deck seamanship and looking after the ship’s pistols, rifles and machine guns.

“I’m now posted to HMAS Anzac, which is based down in Rockingham, so I live there now,” said Glenn. “It’s close to my brother and sister and not too far away from Geraldton so it’s still easy to visit Mum and Dad.”

Having spent most of his career on patrol boats working out of Darwin he is delighted to be working on one of the Navy’ major surface ships.

“In the Navy the life skills and qualifications you are able to achieve are all reinforced by the people around you,” he said.

“Everyone is just so professional. Don’t get me wrong, we have a great time too, but when it’s time to do the job, everyone on board is focussed and ready to work as hard as necessary to achieve our goal.”

Currently Glynn and his shipmates are taking part in fleet exercises, rehearsing for disaster relief and actual conflict.

That mission is for the ship’s company of Anzac to experience working with other ships in simulated environments of conflict and natural disaster. The four week program will be conducted in several exercise areas off the east coast and will incorporate a number of surface, sub surface and amphibious vessels.

Glenn says his job on Anzac is varied enough to keep him interested and busy.

According to Glenn, the entire ship is looking forward to stepping ashore when they visit overseas ports. “I am especially interested in New Zealand and Cambodia. It will be the first time I have been on a real overseas trip with Navy and I can hardly wait.”