His salute to Australia

For Chief Petty Officer Felipe ‘Chilli’ Caceres, service in the Royal Australian Navy has been both a profession and a way of giving back to the country that welcomed him as a young migrant.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Felipe arrived in Australia with his family in 1985. Drawn to the sea from an early age, he quickly developed an appreciation for his adopted homeland and a desire to serve. That ambition was cemented in 1988 when he attended the Bicentennial Naval Review in Sydney Harbour.

“The Bicentennial Naval Review in October 1988 proved to be the defining moment.” Felipe recalls. 

“Witnessing the re-enactment of the First Fleet’s entry into Sydney Cove, along with the presence of over 50 ships from navies around the world – cemented my ambition to serve.”

Three years later, he joined the Royal Australian Navy and became a member of the commissioning crew of HMAS Melbourne. Over the next three decades, his career would take him across a diverse range of platforms and appointments, from Fremantle-class patrol boats and landing craft to frigates, replenishment ships and amphibious vessels.

Along the way, Felipe embraced opportunities to instruct, mentor and lead. His postings have included Weapons Instructor at Cerberus Rifle Range, Parade Commander at Recruit School and Staff Instructor on the Petty Officer Promotion Course at Stirling Leader School. These roles allowed him to shape and develop generations of sailors entering the Navy.

As a senior sailor, Felipe has also come to appreciate the responsibility that accompanies leadership. Beyond technical expertise and operational readiness, he sees the welfare and development of junior members as a fundamental part of the role.

“One of the most rewarding parts of service has been mentoring and developing young Australians as they grow into confident and capable sailors in the Navy” Felipe says. 

“Helping people realise their potential and seeing them succeed is something that stays with you.”

After 35 years of service, Felipe’s motivation remains unchanged. His Navy career has been a way to serve Australia, honour the opportunities it provided his family, and contribute to something larger than himself.

For Felipe, wearing the uniform has always been more than a job - it has been his salute to Australia.