In command – Ben’s submarine wish

A 10-year-old ‘s submariner wish came true on Sunday thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation and friendly submariners aboard HMAS Farncomb.

CAPTION: Ben operates a console in the operations room of Collins-class submarine HMAS Farncomb berthed at Fleet Base East in Sydney. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photo by Able Seaman Susan Mossop.

Ben and his family were hosted for a morning of activities in Sydney, beginning with a tour of the decommissioned submarine HMAS Onslow at the Australian National Maritime Museum and then a visit to Collins-class submarine Farncomb at Fleet Base East.

Ben’s experience was taken to the next level when he was presented with a Navy uniform and the rank of leading seaman.

On arrival to Fleet Base East he was promoted to Commander, and then appointed Commanding Officer (CO) of Farncomb.

Executive Officer Farncomb Lieutenant Commander Jack Abbott said Commander Ben did a great job as the boat’s Commanding Officer.

“The crew really put Commander Ben through his paces. He had a busy morning clearing torpedo tubes, operating the periscope and firing up the engines,” Lieutenant Commander Abbott said.

“Our crew enjoyed working for Commander Ben. We hope to see him around the fleet again soon.

“Working with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to support the wish was really rewarding and a nice addition to Farncomb’s busy schedule.”

Submarines are an essential part of Australia’s naval capability; providing a strategic advantage in terms of surveillance and protection of our maritime approaches.

Starlight has been brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families in Australia for more than 30 years.

CAPTION: Ben operates a console in the operations room of Collins-class submarine HMAS Farncomb at Fleet Base East in Sydney. Photo by Able Seaman Susan Mossop.

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