Navy People: Wheels Heads For Dunes

29 April 2010

Fairfield sailor Scott Wheeler (‘Wheels’ to his shipmates mates) is getting ready to deploy to the Middle East.

His job will be providing logistical support to our Navy ships while they are on patrol over there.

It’s his third Middle East deployment. “The first deployment took me to Iraq in 2003,” said Scott. “The other was as part of the International Coalition against Terrorism in 2006 and 2007.”

Fairfield-born Scott joined the Navy in 1991, and decided to specialise as a stores manager. He’s now reached the senior rank of Chief Petty Officer.

“The Navy has been my job for the last 19 years of my life,” said Scott, “But the support and understanding of my family is one of the most important aspects when deploying away from home.

“It doesn't matter who you are. Everyone misses home sometime during a deployment and it’s important to have the support from your loved ones.”

“After the Middle East I will be at shore-base HMAS Cairns for a while, then heading onto seagoing frigate HMAS Newcastle,” he said. “Sea is still the place for me.”