Our People in NSW
Daniel Hobden - St Georges Fan On Pirate Patrol
Even though Wollongong local Daniel Hobden is on pirate patrol in the Middle East aboard HMAS Toowoomba, his passion for the St George Illawarra Dragons remains as strong as ever.
Sportsman Daniel attended Illawarra Grammar before being selected for a student exchange program to Montana, United States, in 1997.
An avid League player as well as fan, Daniel played for the Dapto Canaries before becoming a Sports Trainer for the Canaries and Illawarra Steelers Junior Representative teams.
In 2003, Daniel decided to join the Navy because he was looking for job security. Daniel says he enjoys it so much that it has become his career for life.
“I’ve been to over 30 countries with the Navy and the pay and benefits are good, but easily the best aspect is the people I mix with. Living and working this closely with people for such a long time, you build some pretty strong life-long bonds,” Daniel said.
After about 12 months training, Daniel became a Communication and Information Systems specialist and will soon be promoted for the third time to become a Petty Officer.
It’s Daniel’s first Middle East deployment, as part of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s contribution to the international coalition against terrorism and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Aboard Toowoomba Daniel’s responsibilities include managing four separate networks that support the crew of almost 200, as well as making sure that vital communications can get on and off the ship using e-mail, radio, satellite, morse code flashing light, and even old-fashioned signal flags.
For Daniel, his stand-out moment with the Navy was when he honeymooned with his wife Tracy in Hawaii while his ship was at Pearl Harbor during Exercise RIMPAC last year.
“Our first daughter is now growing up so quickly while I’m away,” Daniel said.
When Daniel returns home in November, he’ll be catching up with parents Wayne and Linda, family and friends as well as visiting the Dragons to hopefully see the 2011 Premiership trophy on display.
“Although I can’t see many games this season, I’m sure the mighty Dragons will finish the season strongly and win the premiership again this year,” Daniel said.