A world of opportunities
The beautiful island of O’ahu in Hawaii is one of many places a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) could take someone.
CAPTION: Assistant Marine Engineering Officer, Sub Lieutenant Jackson Harvey conducts maintenance checks on the gas turbine on-board HMAS Warramunga while on deployment. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.
Sub Lieutenant Jackson Harvey visited Hawaii for his first ever overseas deployment as part of Navy’s participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.
As the assistant marine engineering officer aboard HMAS Warramunga, his role was to support marine technician sailors and familiarise himself with the systems and equipment in the warship.
“I help out with the administration side of the department as well as working towards learning each part of the work centres and what our sailors do, in between working on the engines, sewerage treatment plant, freshwater and our auxiliary machinery,” Sub Lieutenant Harvey said.
“Being in Hawaii was a privilege – it was great to work with other nations and be a part of the world’s largest Naval war game.”
Sub Lieutenant Harvey has a great interest in all things engineering.
“I have a passion for reading and understanding new concepts. As part of my job I have to understand a lot of policy and our technical manuals – reading through them feeds into my love for engineering and understanding in-depth how things work,” he said.
“Outside of Navy I like to do a lot of manufacture and design – both electrical engineering and mechanical.
“I’ve designed circuit boards, done the programming for that, made my own drone and my own electric skateboard.”
Although Sub Lieutenant Harvey has developed a love for marine engineering aboard Navy’s ships, the origin of his passion comes from a much different environment.
“When I was growing up I wanted to be a pilot and after leaving school I gained my private pilot’s licence,” he said.
“We have the gas turbine on an Anzac-class ship, which is very similar to how gas turbines work on an aircraft. The principles are similar, so understanding the mathematics of how that works has incorporated my love of aircraft and now love for marine engineering.”
Sub Lieutenant Harvey joined Navy through the Undergraduate Entry Officers scheme and was also awarded a Defence University Scholarship. His degree was paid for by Navy and he was paid a wage over the course of his study.
“I would recommend the scheme to anyone,” he said.
“I think it’s the greatest scholarship in the world, between getting your university degree paid for and earning a salary while studying. I think it’s the best way to improve your knowledge while being supported by Defence.
“Navy is also creating the Navy innovation centres, which includes a lot of 3D printing and really supports our people to be able to do those things on our ship so we can progress towards being a smarter Navy.”
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