Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2006/Warrant Officer of the Navy
It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to write to the Navy family to inform you of the activities of some of our people.
It is indeed very humbling to be in a position that allows any of our people the ability to approach you directly and to tell it exactly as they see it.
I am constantly inspired by the optimism and enthusiasm shown by our people, often while dealing with extremely demanding working conditions.
Parramatta
HMAS Parramatta recently returned from the Middle East area of operations (MEAO), after being relieved by HMAS Ballarat.
It was an emotional time for all on the wharf at Fleet Base East, with the crew rightly wearing their well-earned medals proudly on their uniforms.
I was fortunate to speak to a number of Vietnam veterans, representing the RSL, who had come down to the wharf to show their support.
While their return from active service had been under entirely different circumstances to that of the men and women of Parramatta, their emotional support for the crew was inspirational.
It is heartening to see such strong support, for our operational role, from the wider community.
Ballarat
More recently, I met with the crew of at while in the MEAO. This crew is doing a fantastic job with allied commanders and troops united in their praise of working with our Navy and more specifically, Ballarat.
Be under no illusion however, the crew are working hard, have had a long workup period and are tired, but far from worn out.
A memorable incident that reflects the great spirit in Ballarat occurred while I was onboard. A seaman hunted me down and delivered a clear message:: 'I love the work that I do and I love the people that I work with. This employment is meeting my every expectation.'
The command and crew can rightly draw great pride from this sailor's attitude.
Cairns
On a recent visit to HMAS Cairns I was fortunate to be invited to talk with a group of leading seaman undertaking the junior sailors' leadership and management course (JSLMC).
The availability of this course in Cairns is a result of a proposal put forward to Sea Change.
The ability for these sailors to undertake this important development opportunity and return home, to their families, each evening is a great result for the Sea Change implementation team and ultimately our Navy.
Finally, should you happen to see me in your workplace, please take the opportunity to stop and talk. I look forward to meeting many more of you soon.
Warrant Officer of the Navy
Email: james.levay@defence.gov.au
Tel: 02 6265 4905
