Tour of Navy destroyer excites potential recruits

Fifteen Australians interested in careers in the Navy learned more about the fleet’s newest air warfare destroyer, HMAS Sydney, as part of the Sea Power 2022 conference program this week.

CAPTION: Able Seaman Hamish Scott demonstrates HMAS Sydney’s marine technical console to Madeleine Devitt during the Indo Pacific 2022 conference in Sydney. Story by Lieutenant Yvette Goldberg. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

The group, made up mainly of youth from the Wollongong region, explored the ship’s advanced maritime technology and learned what is like to serve in one of the world’s most modern navies.

Year 12 student Madeline Devitt said she was excited to begin her career in the Navy as a marine technician.

“It was great to see a bit of ship life today and to see what the daily life of being a sailor involves,” Ms Devitt said.

“I’m really looking forward to starting my career in the Navy. It’s such an exciting option to have in life.”

CAPTION: Lieutenant Lachlan Darkes explains bridge operations in HMAS Sydney to potential Navy recruits. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

The ship’s tour was led by Lieutenant Lachlan Darkes, a marine engineering officer on board HMAS Sydney.

“From an engineering perspective, working on the latest maritime technology and leading a team of technicians so early in my career keeps me engaged and loving my job,” Lieutenant Darkes said.

“I like being part of a team that has to work together closely to keep the technology operating so the ship can do what needs to be done.

“We do a really important job and I feel proud to be a part of it.”

The Sea Power 2022 conference is being held in Sydney in conjunction with the Indo-Pacific 2022 International Maritime Exposition. The conference began on May 10 and ends on May 12 and is the largest conference of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

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