Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2008/The WON Log

Warrant Officer of the Navy James Levay

Welcome to the Spring 2008 edition of SeaTalk.

Senior leadership

Since the last edition of SeaTalk there have been a number of changes to Navy’s Senior Leadership Team. I take this opportunity to formally thank VADM Shalders on behalf of the sailor community, who retired as the Chief of Navy on July 4 after three years of leading our Navy. The legacy that has been left from VADM Shalders’ tenure as Chief of Navy will be positively felt by future generations of sailors.

I congratulate VADM Crane on his promotion to vice admiral and appointment as the Chief of Navy. I would also like to congratulate RADM Thomas on his appointment as the Deputy Chief of Navy.

Sailors’ pay restructure

The graded other tanks pay structure (GORPS) has gained momentum over the last few months, with hearings and workshops held at HMAS Kuttabul during late July. Thank you to all the personnel that represented their respective categories and our Navy at these important events – your input and interactions were extremely professional and you were a credit to your respective categories.

Visits

In early August I had the privilege of accompanying the Chief of Navy to HMAS Albatross. This visit was extremely productive in allowing the Chief of Navy to engage our Navy’s personnel from the perspective of Chief of Navy.

It was extremely warming to see and hear sailors, particularly some of our newer members, engage the Chief of Navy with such pride in their work and their workplace. The professionalism of these personnel is a direct reflection on the pride and professionalism of their leading seaman, senior sailors, warrant officers and officers.

DFA

I recently met with the Defence Families Association (DFA) National Convenor, Mrs Nicole Quinn.

DFA represents the views of Defence families and its aim is to improve the quality of life for Defence families by providing a recognised forum for their views; and by reporting, making recommendations and influencing policy that directly affects families.

Members and their families can contact DFA to represent them regarding an individual situation or to advocate an issue concerning many families. The range of services and support offered by DFA can be viewed at http://www.dfa.org.au and updates are often provided in SeaTalk.

I look forward to meeting with you in your workplace over the upcoming months as I travel around our ships and establishments. I encourage you to take the opportunity to stop and chat.

James Levay

Warrant Officer of the Navy

E-mail: navy.won@defence.gov.au