Through the lens
LEUT Rachel Irving talks to one of the Navy’s most prolific photographers,
POPH Damien Pawlenko, who is currently serving onboard HMAS
Anzac.

 

FLYING HIGH: HMAS Anzac’s Seahawk helicopter flying at sunrise.

OLD BEAUTY: During Anzac’s Northern Trident tour, crew members visited the this cathedral in the medieval city of Mdina, Malta.

UNDER THE WING: AB Trent Woolley prepares the S70B Seahawk helicopter to be moved into the hanger.

SITTING ALONGSIDE: HMAS Anzac departs Valletta, Malta at twilight.

Lots of late nights and plenty of challenges and highlights – that’s been the story so far for the photographer onboard HMAS Anzac. POPH Damian Pawlenko joined the ship on January 31, before Anzac’s Northern Trident deployment began.

With the emphasis on Public Relations and the high profile nature of the deployment, there have been plenty of demands placed on the photographer, but PO Pawlenko takes it in his stride, describing the work as rewarding.

“As a child there were a few places in the world that I wanted to go to, one being Egypt to see the Pyramids, another was to visit France and Ireland and one more recently was to go to a Dawn Service on Anzac Day in Gallipoli,” PO Pawlenko said.

So far Anzac’s deployment has fulfilled most of these with each living up to PO Pawlenko’s expectations.

“Probably the highlight for me was sitting in the stands at Anzac Cove during the 90th anniversary Dawn Service and looking out over to see sailing close to the shore, HMAS Anzac in full ceremonial lighting before the sun had arisen. In my mind the sight will never be forgotten.

“My focus was to capture the mood and the reverence of the moment and I think my photos are a reflection of this.”

Another photographic highlight for PO Pawlenko was travelling with a contingent from the ship to Paris last week, while Anzac was berthed in Toulon, France.

“To be at the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Paris, sitting there watching and photographing the proceedings and seeing our Anzac representatives in formation under the Arc de Triomphe was something I never thought in my wildest dreams that I will ever be able to do.

“Then to have lunch and a chat to the Australian WW2 veterans who were there was a great privilege and honour.

They were a great bunch.”

Other challenges on the journey so far have been capturing the atmosphere of the laser light show at the Pyramids, the history and beauty of Malta and the sacredness of Preveli in Crete.

He said that the Anzac’s ship’s company helped make his job easier by supporting his work.

“The crew are great to work with, from the Captain down, and are always willing to get in a photograph so their friends and family can see them on the Northern Trident website, which makes it easier for me.

“There is still lots to see and do on the trip, but I’m ready for the challenge and look forward to what lies ahead.”.

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