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Rodney van Lieshout - Amaroo Sailor Heads For Persian Gulf

Amaroo’s Rodney van Lieshout and his 184 shipmates are now getting pretty focused. They are aboard HMAS STUART and heading for six months patrolling in the Persian Gulf. One key task will be safeguarding Iraq’s two giant oil terminals that bring in over 80% of the country’s income. Another will be chasing down and boarding contraband runners in Gulf waters.

“I’m married with three children and we live in Amaroo — but I spent the first 18 years of my life on a farm in Mullengandra about 15 km south of Holbrook, actually named after Commander Holbrook, VC winner and submarine commander. So the Navy’s always been in the background, even as a kid.

“Now I am at a stage in my career where operational deployments don’t come your way very often and it is in small part a legacy that I can pass onto my kids and — God willing — my grandkids.

“I’ve been in the Navy since 1985.  I originally joined as a signalman and then did the conversion — or modernisation — course to communications information systems in 1999.  In over twenty years I’ve certainly seen a lot of sea — but I’ve spent time ashore too, both here at HMAS HARMAN and in Melbourne.

“I joined STUART in May 2007. My rank is Chief Petty Officer and I’m the communications and information systems manager. My job is to manage and regulate the department, which includes looking after my personnel, and I also have to advise the CO on all aspects of tactical and strategic communications and information systems.

“The majority of my overseas deployments have been around south-east Asia, plus the Philippines and Japan.  I have also been to Hawaii — but this will be the first deployment where I get a medal!

“When I get back I’ll certainly be spending a lot of time with my wife and my kids.  The homecoming will be very special because it will involve just about all members of my family, including my parents and my brother and his wife and kids. It will be quite a party.” 

Rodney is one of some 1500 members of the Australian Defence Forces who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.