By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
FROM Narre Warren to the Australian Navy – Lea Walton is chasing her dream.
Lea, from Narre Warren South, recently graduated from the Royal Australian Navy New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC) at HMAS Creswell on Jervis Bay.
The 24-year-old former student of Beacon Hill Secondary College studied Mechanical Engineering at RMIT University before joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to become a Marine Engineer Officer.
As a Marine Engineer Officer, Lea will be the technical expert on board Navy vessels and responsible for the ship’s structures, propulsion systems, electrical generation and distribution, and domestic and associated mechanical services.
“I’ve enjoyed the training so far – especially the leadership exercises – and I am looking forward to the opportunities to travel to interesting places,” Lea said.
One of the highlights of the NEOC for Lea was the three weeks she spent at sea on board HMAS Tobruk.
“Sea training on HMAS Tobruk made me realise how much fun the Navy can be. I enjoyed learning about all of the various departments on board and trying out different jobs,” Lea said.
Lea’s brother, Brett, is also a member of the Navy and currently serves as an Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator.
“The Navy is a great way for recent university graduates to get their career started – I know a lot of graduates who struggle to get a job due to a lack of work experience,” she said.
“The Navy is different as it provides you will all the experience and training you need to succeed.”
The NEOC is a 20-week course that provides the cadets the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to become junior officers in the Navy.
Lea will now undertake six months of qualification training at HMAS Cerberus.
The graduation also celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the arrival of the first Cadet Midshipmen at HMAS Creswell in 1915.
Special guests in attendance included Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, and Commanding Officer Captain Stephen Hussey.
The Navy is currently recruiting for various officer positions. For further information on military training and careers in the Navy visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy or call 13 19 01.
