I am not entirely sure where it stemmed from, but as a child I was fascinated with Orca’s (Orcinus Orca: Killer Whales). It may have been the 1977 movie ‘Orca- The Killer Whale’, starring Richard Harris, Charlotte Rampling, and a very young Bo Derek. “Initially on the hunt for a great white shark, the obsessiveContinue reading “Childhood Dream Come True- An Orca Experience”
Category Archives: The Sea
USS North Carolina (BB-55)
In June 2024, I went on a month long trip to America to visit family. I had only ever been to America once before, back in 2009, for two weeks. At that time I was happy to finally get over there, and was not overly interested in doing much exploring outside of where my sisterContinue reading “USS North Carolina (BB-55)”
The Travel Bug
One of the attractive prospects of joining the military, especially Navy, is travelling to different parts of the world. I have been fortunate enough to sail, and on occasion fly, to several different countries. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had, to visit places like New Zealand, Guam, Philippines, China, Vietnam, Russia,Continue reading “The Travel Bug”
Young Endeavour
In 1995 I received a letter confirming my place on the Young Endeavour for Voyage 1/96, sailing from Hobart to Burnie. Unbeknownst to me I had been nominated by mum and selected from a ballot. Then just before Christmas 1995 I received a kit bag, T-shirt, some forms to fill out, and the itinerary. OnContinue reading “Young Endeavour”
To my son
I held my son tight as he drifted to sleep I was due to leave in less than a week; He whispered under his breath as he closed his eyes in the dark I’m going to miss all our fun, the joys in the park; Please don’t leave me dad, it hurts it’s not fairContinue reading “To my son”
Isolation
I guess like most people the topic of isolation is at the forefront of my mind at the moment. For most of my naval career I have at times taken isolation for granted, but I have also had a fondness and appreciation for being out at sea with a limited number of people, away fromContinue reading “Isolation”
Being a parent in the navy
Life at sea isn’t easy and we men usually take it for granted. Within the first twelve months of our son Harrison being born, Shayne was working on her fitness so she could get back to sea to prove she could still serve the navy in any capacity. I certainly wasn’t prepared for being aContinue reading “Being a parent in the navy”
SIEV 36- Part 3
Trigger warning: Descriptions and photos contained in this article may trigger an adverse emotional response in some readers. If any of this causes stress or anxiety please seek professional help. The following is a recollection of events from my memory of the SIEV 36 incident and is in my words and no one else. MyContinue reading “SIEV 36- Part 3”
SIEV 36- Part 2
Trigger warning: Please consider before continuing to read. Descriptions and photos contained in this article may trigger an adverse emotional response in some readers. If any of this causes stress or anxiety please seek professional help. The following is a recollection of events from my memory of the SIEV 36 incident and is in myContinue reading “SIEV 36- Part 2”
SIEV 36- Part 1
Trigger warning: Descriptions and photos contained in this article may trigger an adverse emotional response in some readers. If any of this causes stress or anxiety please seek professional help. The following is a recollection of events from my memory of the SIEV 36 incident and is in my words and no one else. MyContinue reading “SIEV 36- Part 1”
Sailing The Unknown 