After a successful trial in 2023, the Royal Australian Navy now offers eight sailor positions on two-year postings to Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant.
Able Seaman Hannah Moore, from Brisbane, was among the first sailors to take up the opportunity and is currently on her first six-week swing on board Reliant.
“The eight sailor positions are divided into two and we rotate six weeks on, six weeks off. I wanted to go back to sea and to be closer to my family in Brisbane so it works well for me,” she said.
The four Navy sailors are joined by two Army personnel who are on board for one six-week swing before changing out with two Army colleagues.
Private Teaira Green, of Headquarters 1st Division in Brisbane, jumped at the opportunity to join the crew of Reliant and was excited to embark on the ship’s current deployment through the Pacific.
“So far this deployment we have delivered two fire trucks and other essential stores to the Republic of Kiribati and we will be delivering water to Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia,” Private Green said.
“It’s been an awesome opportunity to visit places I never dreamed of seeing and meeting some of the local people.”
Able Seaman Moore and Private Green have integrated with the ship’s crew and are keen to watch and learn from their merchant navy colleagues, who are employed by the civilian vessel operator, Teekay Shipping.
Among the 18 Teekay seafarers are Alex Coombs, Ann Holmes and Brooke Saal.
“When we were unloading the fire trucks at Betio Port, the whole crew pitched in – Ann was on the crane, Brooke was ‘dogman’ on comms to the crane, Teaira and Hannah were on tag lines controlling the load and I was an extra pair of eyes on the bridge,” Third Officer Coombs said.
“It was great to see the team come together to achieve the task.
“The ADF crew bring skills that complement those on board. We are all learning from each other. They share insights they bring from the military and we incorporate aspects to improve our operations. It’s a very good collaborative workplace.”
In addition to the fire trucks, Reliant delivered tonnes of other supplies for Kiribati, including education resources, urgent medical supplies, safety equipment and donations.
Reliant is conducting a patrol through the Pacific, visiting Pacific island countries, delivering stores and equipment, and supporting maritime surveillance.
