Harman’s welcoming arms

IN THE FAMILY: RCTSN Bruno Alduk with brother ABATV Alex Alduk during the enlistment ceremony held at HMAS Harman. Photo: LSPH Neil Richards

Volume 49, No. 23, December 14, 2006

By LCDR Michael Hardwick

Three new recruits began their Navy career with an enlistment ceremony at HMAS Harman on November 20.

The new sailors were RCTCIS Scott Cooke from Young in NSW and RCTMT Christopher Adams and RCTSN Bruno Alduk from Canberra.

The ceremony was conducted by CDRE Clint Thomas and witnessed by the recruits’ families and Harman Command Element personnel.

CDRE Thomas reflected on his intimate knowledge of the RAN Recruit School based on his relatively recent posting as Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus.

He highlighted to the recruits the challenges that lay ahead of them and the promotion of teamwork in the Recruit School that extends into the wider Navy.

RCT Alduk’s family guests included his brother, ABATV Alex Alduk and their 12-year-old brother Mateo.

ABATV Alduk has been in the Navy for four and a half years and is currently serving in DSCM. He believes that he was an influence on his brother wanting to join the Navy.

ABATV Alduk said that he was interested in aircraft and electronics as a kid and, therefore, chose the ATV career path. He was able to advise his less technically inclined brother on the many career options available in the Navy and this helped him to happily choose the SN category.

RCT Alduk said his brother’s satisfaction with the Navy influenced him to join.

Younger brother Mateo wants to join the Navy too. The Alduk boys’ parents, Robert and Jasminka, are very proud of their two Navy sons and are keen to steer Mateo in that direction when the time comes.

On completion of the enlistment ceremony, CDRE Thomas presented service and campaign medals to Harman personnel, suggesting to the new recruits that they too might be recipients of campaign medals in the not too distant future.

CDRE Thomas and Harman personnel then joined the new recruits and their families for a barbecue lunch before the recruits said their farewells and headed for Cerberus.

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