Sailor brings vital skills ashore

A career at sea has proved to be a perfect training ground for Petty Officer Rachel Lauchlan, as she now supports other ADF members ahead of their overseas deployments.

CAPTION: Force preparation course instructor Petty Officer Rachel Lauchlan at Holsworthy Barracks, NSW. Story by Captain Karam Louli. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

Petty Officer Lauchlan had done numerous sea postings in her 15-year career with Navy, before recently moving to a joint role as a training coordinator with 39th Operational Support Battalion (39OSB).

She said the move from a sea to land posting has given her a new perspective on her career.

“I’d just finished sea time in HMAS Arunta and my career manager suggested it would be good for me to gain triservice exposure,” she said.

“The move to 39OSB was also a good fit with my skillset as a boatswains mate, particularly around weapons training.”

In her new role as a 39OSB instructor, she helps to refresh and consolidate military skills for ADF members deploying on overseas operations.

Petty Officer Lauchlan joined Navy as a boatswains mate in 2009, enlisting straight from Rockhampton State High School in Queensland.

While the demands of service were often physical, Petty Officer Lauchlan was no stranger to an active lifestyle.

She related how a lifelong love of the ocean had led to her pursuing a career with Navy.

“I grew up on the water with my dad where we swam, fished and explored, and I still love seeing the sunset out at sea and the sunrise in the morning. Nothing beats that,” she said.

“After school I wanted to get outside and travel, and the Navy has provided that for me.

“I’ve now had almost 15 years’ service in the Navy and I’ve loved every second of it.”

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