Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2003/WO-N comments
WO-N Comments
By WO-N David Turner
G'day
Well I have to say I have now settled into the job and want to thank all of you who have made me feel welcome on all of my visits around Navy.
In the past six or so months, we have had a ship and a submarine commission into service in our Navy, as well as another ship launched. We have seen the build up to the operations in the Persian Gulf, conducted those operations as good if not better than any other Navy in the world and watched some of those who deployed come home again.
This demonstrates that we are not only busy, but the world continues to change at a pace far greater than any of us could have imagined only a couple of years ago.
Those who deployed to the Persian Gulf have done a fantastic job. This was a tense time for many of our families and I thank you for the support you have provided to our Navy people. Rest assured their professionalism was well recognised by our allies and this was in no small way, partly due to that support.
The Chief of Navy and I had the opportunity to visit our people in the Gulf and certainly appreciate their efforts which were sometimes carried out under difficult conditions. We can not afford to lose focus though and we need to keep each and every one of our sailors safe both now and in the future.
I would particularly like to publicly thank those people in Australian Clearance Diving Team Three who were living and working under reasonably uncomfortable conditions and still managed to take the time to show the Chief and myself a good time. I certainly left with the impression that our sailors continue to punch well above our weight and do it while still maintaining a sense of humour.
During this whole time, we have had ships deployed on Operation Relex and this demanding work has gone on with far less fanfare or media attention. Both the Chief of Navy and myself are aware that these deployments are somewhat frustrating however, Navy is committed to providing a presence in those areas for the foreseeable future. To those people who seem to keep going back, thank you. Once again, take care and if you see me on my travels, say G'day.
David Turner Warrant Officer of the Navy WO.N@cbr.defence.gov.au Telephone 02 62654905
