Leading the way in Tassie on two fronts

HMAS Diamantina was the first vessel of its kind to be the flagship of the Royal Hobart Regatta, now in its 186th year. It was a proud moment for the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Georgina Rae-Martin, and crew.

CAPTION: Commanding Officer HMAS Diamantina Georgina Rae-Martin in Hobart, Tasmania. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photos by Able Seaman Lucinda Allanson.

“It’s been such an honour and a privilege to be the first minehunter coastal to come down to be flagship of the Royal Hobart Regatta,” Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin said.

Arriving in Hobart ahead of the three-day Regatta at Princes Wharf No. 1, more than 2000 people toured the ship and asked the crew questions as part of the ship’s open day.

Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin said interacting with the Tasmanian community and explaining what the ship does was pretty special.

“I know our locals on board also felt thrilled when we sailed up the Derwent River and into Hobart,” she said.

Diamantina spent Sunday at anchor as the backdrop of the Regatta. It officially started the annual two bridges kayak race, and provided a backdrop for the closing act of the RAN Band – Tasmania, and fireworks.

In addition to being the first minehunter coastal at a Royal Hobart Regatta, Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin is also the first female commanding officer of a mine warfare and clearance diving vessel.

“Being the first female commanding officer felt pretty special and was a pretty proud moment with an accumulation of a lot of years of training,” Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin said.

Breaking down barriers and creating a positive culture on board Diamantina has been the highlight for Lieutenant Commander Rae-Martin.

“Being the first female commanding officer of a mine warfare and clearance diving vessel not only shows that we can open doors, but break down barriers. When my little girls grow up, I get to show them that they can be anything they want to be,” she said.

“I think becoming a mother has made me a better person, a better officer and a better commanding officer, allowing me to care for the wellbeing of my crew.”

CAPTION: HMAS Diamantina enters into the Derwent River for the Royal Hobart Regatta.

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