Publication:Navy Annual 2005/HMAS ADELAIDE's Marine Medic

BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER BRIAN CHASE, RAN

Dr Edward Barin, an Army reserve Captain from the Health unit, 8th Combat support services Battalion, Timor Barracks in Dundas, Sydney joined HMAS Adelaide on 13 August 2005 for some 'cross-service' experience. In his normal life Dr Barin is a specialist cardiologist at Sydney's royal North shore Hospital and lives with his wife and three children in Killara. In his time onboard, the ship visited Penang in Malaysia, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, and Singapore.

The ship's company pulled out all the stops to ensure that Dr Barin's first time on a royal Australian Navy ship was memorable. in addition to his medical duties, which according to Dr Barin were very different from his normal military and civilian practices, he participated in all the usual shipboard evolutions and even got a ride in HMAS Adelaide's Seahawk helicopter Tiger 80. When it came to crossing the equator, the "shellback" Dr Barin was transferred to HMAS Ballarat to face King Neptune and his Court. As is usually the case, he came off second best to Neptune's fair bride and the court barber.

In recognition of his enthusiasm and level of participation, the Commanding Officer presented Dr Barin with a royal Australian Navy sea readiness badge to replace his Army readiness badge. When asked what he thought of his time onboard Dr Barin replied "I loved the wide range of new cross-service experiences and really liked the people; they were highly skilled and very motivated. The highlight of my trip was the port visit to Sihanoukville."

Dr Barin will now return to his quiet civilian practice with many 'dits' and yarns to tell of his time at sea in the royal Australian Navy's best warship!