Our People in NSW
Bruce Grieg - From Scuba to the Seven Seas
For North Shore’s Dr Bruce Greig, a conversation 21 years ago changed his life.
After talking to a fellow SCUBA diver, his interest in underwater medicine prompted the doctor to join the Navy Reserves.
But Bruce’s recent adventures have mostly been above the surface. They have included dealing with casualties in Dili and Bandah Aceh, and deployment to the Persian Gulf.
Now a Navy Commander, Bruce is currently onboard the USS Cleveland, an amphibious transport ship, as part of the U.S led humanitarian aid mission Pacific Partnership
Bruce is onboard for 10 weeks, as part of the mission to bring real relief to the people of the Pacific while training to work together for disaster relief.
The Australian military contribution is a mix of engineering and medical personnel including doctors like Bruce, nurses, dentists and even vets.
"It is a great experience to work with the U.S in this Humanitarian Aid Mission," Bruce said.
"My wife Sue is extremely supportive of my work with the Navy and ,as she travels a great deal with her own work, understands the demands Reserve time can make on an individual.”
Bruce's son has even joined the Navy full-time and is currently in training aboard HMAS Tobruk.
"It's always lovely to come home and get a hug from my daughter," Bruce said. "I've been going away for her entire life and she still farewells me with tears, and welcomes me with a hug."