Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2007/The Warrant Officer of the Navy
Welcome to the summer and pre-Christmas edition of SeaTalk.
It is hard to believe that another year has passed as quickly as it has. Our people continue to work extremely hard throughout 2007 and have been well supported by their families.
It is important in this arena to thank our families and our extended Navy family. Our families play an important role in supporting the men and women of the Navy, and allow our people to continue to get on with their job, wherever and whatever that may be.
It was my privilege again this year to co-host the senior non-commissioned officers (SNCO) forum with my service warrant officer colleagues, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force. The forum was held at the Centre for Defence Leadership Studies the Australian Defence College in Weston Creek over September 6-7, and was officially opened by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Gillespie on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Force.
Navy was well represented by sailors from the rank of leading seaman to warrant officer from commands throughout Australia, both afloat and ashore. Their input into the forum discussions was invaluable, and a credit to our Navy – our future is in good hands.
We had an international flavour at this year’s forum with Warrant Officer of the Royal New Zealand Navy, WO Neil Roberts attending. His observations of our sailors were very positive.
On a separate tack, I have had the opportunity to visit and meet with a number of students undertaking the Chief Leadership Development Program and Junior Sailors’ Leadership and Management courses at the RAN Staff College and the Senior Leadership Faculty. I am heartened and impressed with the professionalism of our people instructing these important leadership courses, and I acknowledge the superior contribution of all personnel who are employed in the training environment, whether that be at recruit school, our leadership schools, or in our training facilities throughout the country. In October, the Deputy Fleet Commander convened a selection panel for upcoming Ship’s Warrant Officer positions within Fleet Command. The role of SWO continues to attract highly professional Warrant Officers and I thank all applicants for their detailed preparation. I congratulate Warrant Officers Andy Kirkpatrick (HMAS Sydney), Rick Bisset (HMAS Manoora), Joanne Jordan (HMAS Darwin), Mal O’Neill (HMAS Toowoomba), and Steve Downey (HMAS Stuart) on their successful selection.
This Christmas there will be a number of personnel who are either deployed in support of ADF operations in both Australia and overseas, or unable to take leave with their loved ones due to their commitment to sustaining an ADF capability over this period. To these personnel, on behalf of the sailor community, thank you - your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I wish each and every member of the extended Navy family a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year, and look forward to meeting many of you in 2008. Seasons greetings!
James Levay
Warrant Officer of the Navy
E-mail: james.levay@defence.gov.au
Tel: 02 626 54905
