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| DUX: Graduate SMNHSO Leonie O’Connor is presented with her award by WOHSM Jeff Langham. |
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The RAN Hydrographic School graduated 10 new members into the Fleet on Friday, March 30.
In recognition of the importance of the Fleet’s future survey operators CAPT Michael Beard, RAN – Chief of Staff Hydrographic and Meteorology (HMFEG); CAPT Tony O’Malley – Director Navy Fleet Surface Warfare (DNFSW); CMDR Guy Blackburn, RAN – Director Navy Warfare Professional Requirements (HWC); CMDR Peter Bartlett, RAN – Head of Command and Tactics (TA-MW); CMDR Roger Dobson, RAN, ADC – Commanding Officer HMAS Penguin; WOHSM Jeffrey Langham – Staff Officer Category Management (HMFEG); WO Simon Kelly – Establishment Warrant Officer, were in attendance to welcome and congratulate the graduates.
The course was conducted over 10 weeks at HMAS Penguin, during which time the trainee Hydrographic Systems Operators learnt both theoretical and practical skills in hydrographic surveying. The course culminated with a two week deployment to Spectacle Island in Sydney Harbour, where their training was consolidated to an operational standard. Dux of the course was SMNHSO Leonie O’Connor.
The graduates assume roles in both HS and SML crews operating from HMAS Cairns. As hydrographic specialists, the new graduates will assist in Australia’s Charting Responsibility, which covers approximately one-eighth of the globe. The information they help to gather is used to create charts and other navigational products for the mariner providing safer transportation of over 95 per cent of imports and exports that go by sea. |
