Ten Defence Australian Public Service (APS) members travelled to HMAS Albatross to uplift their understanding of challenges as part of Exercise Immerse.
Members were introduced to helicopter underwater escape training and survival at sea drills; helicopter crash on deck equipment and procedures; toured 816 and 723 Squadrons; and flew the EC-135 simulator.
Exercise Immerse is an experience program designed to foster mutual understanding between members of the Navy and APS employed within the maritime domain.
At Albatross, the participants experienced the dynamic challenges of the Fleet Air Arm along with basic seamanship, drill and ceremonial training.
Exposure to helicopter underwater escape training and time in 723 Squadron’s EC-135 simulator gave participants a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and responsibility accepted by Navy members.
Petty Officer Sam Tickle, from Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group’s Maritime Acquisition and Sustainment Executive Team, lead the design of Exercise Immerse.
“It’s about giving participants the opportunity to step into the boots of our Navy members for a short period, to feel that connection and gain insights into our operating environment with its inherent responsibilities and risks,” Petty Officer Tickle said.
“We expect a lot of our APS workforce, and we make sure we give them the tools and opportunities to develop their domain mastery.”
Rated highly in post-activities surveys, the experience deepened participants’ understanding of the risk accepted by Navy members, and the responsibilities they accept for each other’s safety.
Participants looked forward to returning to their workplaces to share their renewed or expanded appreciation for service life.
For many, the most beneficial part of the exercise was the relationships they developed with each other and the Navy personnel from Albatross.
