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Top recruit rises to the challenge
By LEUT B. Francis
Volume 50, No. 14, August 09, 2007 |
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| PROUD: SMN Nat Dawes receives her Dolphins from CMDR Brett Sampson. |
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June 25 was a memorable day for the newest member of the ‘Silent Service’ as SMN Nat Dawes was awarded her Dolphins onboard HMAS Waller.
SMN Dawes was awarded the ‘Emil Christensen Prize’ as the top recruit for 2006, and will post off submarines for a short period to commence her Cryptologic Systems Training at Cabarlah, Queensland.
SMN Dawes was recruited into the RAN in January 2006. After passing out from recruit school, she commenced her submarine training at STSC, HMAS Stirling and subsequently posted to HMAS Waller in March 2007.
Since posting into Waller, SMN Dawes has experienced the challenges of bringing the boat out of an extended docking period and has commenced a trials and licensing process to validate maintenance.
She has also been part of testing the Replacement Combat System and Mk48 Advanced Capability Heavy Weight Torpedo.
When asked about the significance of the occasion she said, “I am very proud and feel privileged to have been able to qualify before commencing my basic EWA course.
“It was a wonderful way to learn my job as a submariner first, and I look forward to the many challenges ahead.”
Commanding Officer, CMDR Brett Sampson said, “It was a great day not just for SMN Dawes, but for the whole crew. The award of dolphins is the culmination of an intensive training period and this milestone represents months of hard work both individually and alongside the rest of the crew.”
After completing her category specific training, SMN Dawes will return to submarines where she will apply her specialist skills in what is the start of a promising career.
“This scheme allows sailors like myself entering the service to get a real taste of life as a submariner earlier on, to decide if it is right, before committing to the category specific training” SMN Dawes said.
“I feel exceptionally lucky to be part of a great crew who are working hard to get HMAS Waller into operational service and I cannot wait to return to sea.” |
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