Leading Seaman (LS) Jesse Nicholson, born in Hobart, Tasmania, joined the Royal Australian Navy in February 2019, just 2 months after completing Year 12. Motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully and pursue hands on humanitarian work, he enlisted as an electronics technician. As he explains, ‘I wanted to do humanitarian work, so I chose LHDs as the platform to go to.’

Posting to HMAS Adelaide as a communications maintainer, LS Nicholson supported multiple major operations, including Fiji Assist and Tonga Assist during the COVID 19 period. ‘They’ve been, by far, the most rewarding missions I’ve done in Navy,’ he reflects.

His humanitarian contributions also included domestic flood relief. ‘We got to go boots on the ground and help the community. There were houses there that were completely ruined … To see the faces of all the people who needed help and for them to see us engaging in the community through service, that was a real moment,’ he recalls.

In addition to humanitarian work, LS Nicholson has participated in multiple Exercise Talisman Sabre, Indo-Pacific Endeavour and Operation Resolute activities. Strengthening regional engagement and advancing Australia’s maritime security objectives.

As part of the Fleet Support Unit, where he led the Fleet’s 2273 Minerva project, LS Nicholson used innovative engineering solutions. He delivered significant sustainment savings for Defence and helped elevate Fleet Support Unit’s reputation for technical excellence.

Outside of Navy life, LS Nicholson and his partner, who is a veterinary nurse, spend much of their spare time caring for animals. Their home has an assortment of pets, including an albino Darwin carpet python. However, by far, his favourite activity outside Navy life is watching cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground surrounded by his fellow Australians.