Born in a quiet town, Leading Seaman Elodie Miles did not initially picture herself serving at sea. In 2020, seeking a career with purpose and progression, she made the decision to join Navy.

'I had my first full time job at a bank, but there wasn’t much room to grow,' she said. 'I started researching careers, not just jobs, and found an advertisement for a personnel administration role. It happened to be in the Navy.'

Before even graduating from category school, Leading Seaman Miles found herself deployed on COVID-19 Assist duties alongside Army and Air Force personnel. 'During the deployment, I spent 3 weeks working in the tri-service HQ. I learned so much before my career had even started.'

Her first posting was to HMAS Albatross, where she joined the main personnel office. 'It was a big step, but a good one,' she said. 'My first petty officer set the example. She taught us how to look after our people and hold ourselves to high professional standards.'

In 2022, Leading Seaman Miles experienced a major career highlight: joining an Australian ship for Exercise Rimpac. 'I loved the routine and the teamwork,' she said. 'My first port visit was in Hawaii and I made lifelong friends.

'Being part of the ship’s company for 3 months really helped me understand what Navy life is about.'

Outside of uniform, Leading Seaman Miles’s creativity flourishes. She paints, draws, crochets and designs ship shirts, all with her cat Howard close by.

Reflecting on what it means to serve as a woman in Navy, Leading Seaman Miles said the biggest reward has been proving to herself what she’s capable of. 'There were things I thought I couldn’t do because I wasn’t fit enough or because I was too timid,' she said. 'But the Navy pushes me to be my best every day. That’s something I never felt anywhere else.'