Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2005/Words from WO-N desig.

I welcome this, my first opportunity to write for SeaTalk and see it as an ideal opportunity to introduce myself to you.

Firstly, let me sincerely thank my predecessor WO-N David Turner. David took over the position of Warrant Officer of the Navy in September 2002 and since then, I have observed him work tirelessly for the people that we collectively call the Navy family. That is, permanent and reserve members, ex-members, their families, the veterans community and many interested parties. David leaves the Navy shortly and I wish him and his family well.

I have a very similar background to David in that after a relatively routine, albeit immensely enjoyable career working in similar positions as our sailors are in today, I also found myself in the human resource management area of our Navy. I have spent some time in the Directorate of Sailors' Career Management being involved with the development of our Navy's sailors. I believe there is great benefit in coming to the position of WO-N with a strong personnel background and see no irony in the fact that every WO-N to date has done some time in the Personnel or Training areas.

It is my intention to work in a similar manner to my predecessors in that I do not intend to radically change the way business is conducted in the office of the Warrant Officer of the Navy. The recent introduction of the Ship's Warrant Officer in major fleet units and the impending trial of the Ship's Warrant Officer, in HMAS Cerberus, Kuttabul and Stirling, all present an excellent opportunity for our Navy to utilise the exceptional skill and experience that resides within our sailor community. With our support it will take very little time for individual units to fully integrate this initiative and reap the capability benefits that such an experienced additional resource can deliver.

I start my tenure in exciting times for Navy people. As many of you are aware, the Navy is currently undertaking a number of positive initiatives directed at improving our people's working lives under the collective banner of Sea Change. I intend to work hard to support these changes for the benefit of both our people and consequently, our Navy.

Once again over this holiday season, a number of our people will be separated from their loved ones as a result of our commitment to operations and their commitment to duty. My thoughts will be with your families and with you.

Finally, I can't achieve the outcomes of the position without your help. So I welcome your input into any topic you see the need to talk with me about. I hope to meet as many of the Navy family as early as possible in my tenure, so please feel free to make yourself known to me. My contact details are below. Merry Christmas.

James Levay

Warrant Officer of the Navy (desig.)

Email: james.levay@defence.gov.au

Tel: 02 6265 4905