Commander Sarah West’s path to Navy began not on the water, but behind a microphone. Before joining in 2009 as a maritime warfare officer, she worked as a journalist and ABC newsreader: skills that would later become central to her Navy career. Her first sea posting to HMAS Stuart set the tone for what would become a career defined by adventure, people and purpose.

In 2011, she became a public affairs officer. The opportunity to meet thousands of serving members and share their stories became one of the most rewarding aspects of her service. As a team leader in the 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, she travelled extensively, deploying across all domains and working with the Australian Defence Force’s leading imagery specialists.

One deployment stands out vividly in her memory, Pacific Partnership in Vietnam. There, she witnessed Navy surgeon Commander Ravi Mahajani restore mobility to a local man whose severe burns had fused his arm to his torso. She also saw Navy nurses deliver compassionate, high stakes care in emergency and intensive care wards. 'It made me immensely proud to serve alongside such amazing Australians,' she said.

Working for Chief of Navy as his Assistant Chief of Staff has been another significant career highlight.

Commander West draws inspiration from trailblazers such as Captain Jenny Daetz, the first woman to command a Royal Australian Navy ship. Senior leaders like Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin have shaped her approach to leadership and service. She also acknowledges peers, whose support and authenticity have encouraged her to embrace the 'unicorn' qualities she brings to Navy.

For Commander West, serving as a woman in Navy is a continuation of her family’s legacy, inspired by her grandfather’s bravery in World War II, which saw him awarded the Military Medal.

Now a mother, she is intentional about demonstrating to her sons the value of contributing to something greater than oneself. 'It’s important to me that they know they are part of the Navy family,' she said.