Defence News
Sailors who stare at goats
24 August 2010
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Three sailors from HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan recently spent time with goats and various other livestock in the region of Lautaim, East Timor as part of a roving veterinary clinic during Pacific Partnership 2010.
Unlike the novel and film, Men who stare at goats, these Defence personnel used their powers for good: immunising and treating the animals that are a both income and food for the local people.
Working with United States Army and Navy personnel as well as Australian Army Lieutenant Garnett Hall from the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor, the sailors travelled from village to village in the region treating dogs, pigs, goats, monkeys and cattle.
"We travelled to the mountains West of Lautaim to the agricultural college and were given a tour of the facility whilst the vets treated the sick cows," Able Seaman Luke Newman of HMAS Tarakan said.
"We treated over 200 goats, numerous dogs and several cattle," Seaman Marine Technician Johnny Brazatis, also of Tarakan, said.
"It was amusing watching the team members trying to capture boisterous or cantankerous goats."
The field veterinary teams were grateful for the added hands during the roving clinics said United States Army Corporal Jasmine Carreon.
"It was truly a partnership moment to work with the Australian sailors. They were highly motivated and fun to work with. Animal wrangling is not the easiest job, but they jumped right in there and got dirty like the rest of us. It was great to see the smiles on their faces at the end of the day," Corporal Carreon said.
The experience, far removed from the engine room of HMAS Tarakan, was positive and enhanced the international teamwork and allowed the sailors to interact with the East Timorese people.
"It was rewarding to go ashore and work with people from different nations and with different skills. It was also a good experience to meet and interact with the locals," Able Seaman Newman said.
"It was a good experience all round; I hope we left behind some good will. The locals were very grateful and friendly. I will definitely take away some lasting images of East Timor," said Seaman Brazatis.