If something is needed aboard a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship, the Maritime Logistics Officer (MLO) is the person who helps make it happen.

Traditionally known as the "pusser" because they managed a ship's finances and sailors' pay, today's MLOs remain central to delivering the supplies, services and support that enable Navy capability.

Lieutenant Erin Fisher-Stamp embodies that role through a leadership approach centred on people, adaptability and operational excellence.

Recognised as one of Navy's 125 Top Navy People during celebrations marking 125 years of the RAN, LEUT Fisher-Stamp has built a reputation for delivering outcomes in challenging environments while maintaining a strong focus on her people.

When she joined Navy in 2019, however, she had not planned on becoming an officer.

Originally intending to continue her hospitality career as a steward, she said a conversation with a Defence Force Recruiting Flight Sergeant encouraged her to consider an officer pathway.

"He suggested I consider joining Navy as an Officer because he thought I had what it takes," LEUT Fisher-Stamp said.

"It completely changed my perspective on what I was capable of achieving."

Originally from Eltham on Melbourne's outskirts, LEUT Fisher-Stamp was inspired by her mother, who served as a Navy Writer in the 1990s. The opportunity to challenge herself, continue learning and build a meaningful career drew her to service.

One of her earliest career goals was to travel around Australia, an ambition achieved during a circumnavigation deployment in HMAS Stuart as Deputy MLO.

The deployment tested her ability to solve problems under pressure. During a stop in cyclone-affected Cairns, local supplies were limited and the ship required essential stores.

Recognising the importance of small comforts at sea, LEUT Fisher-Stamp arranged for a team member to fly in carrying powdered milk to replenish ship stocks.

"We all know how important a good brew can be for morale at sea," she said.

The experience reinforced the importance of initiative, teamwork and adaptability in delivering capability.

Significant strategic to operational experience was gained through her involvement in HMAS Sydney's commissioning and a subsequent role as a Force Flow Coordinator during Defence's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responsible for helping manage the movement of Defence personnel across Australia and overseas, she gained valuable experience in coordinating complex activities during a period of uncertainty.

The role broadened her understanding of how strategic planning supports operational outcomes and underlined her ability to lead across both operational and workforce environments.

Throughout her career to date, LEUT Fisher-Stamp has consistently prioritised people and culture.

She believes effective leadership starts with understanding individuals and creating an environment where sailors feel valued and supported.

"You have to read the room and recognise that every person is different," she said.

"Making the effort to connect with each sailor every day gives them an opportunity to raise concerns, talk through challenges and know that I am available to support them."

For LEUT Fisher-Stamp, investing in people directly contributes to operational success.

"I always tell my teams that family comes first. If people know they are valued and supported, they are better able to focus on their work and contribute to the mission," she said.

"Culture builds capability. When you invest in your people and create a positive team environment, operational performance follows."

As she looks ahead to a future appointment as a ship's Maritime Logistics Officer, LEUT Fisher-Stamp will draw on the leadership skills, operational experience and people-focused approach she has developed throughout her career.

Reflecting on her first sea posting in HMAS Sydney, she remembers stepping aboard a destroyer (DDG) and wondering what lay ahead.

Today, that uncertainty has been replaced by confidence built through experience, resilience and a commitment to supporting Navy people wherever they serve.