Our People in NSW
Matthew Sales - Tacoma
For many sailors, one of the most exciting aspects of life in the Navy is when their ship pulls into a new foreign port. The sense of anticipation at being able to explore an exotic city is a moment to behold.
But for Tacoma local Matthew Sales, the excitement comes primarily not from travel, but from distributing mail.
According to Matthew, ships usually only take delivery of letters and packages when they arrive at a port, which might be the first time in weeks or months that the crew has received mail from family and friends.
“The best part of my job is pulling into a foreign port, receiving the mail and sorting and distributing it as soon as possible. Seeing how happy it makes people to receive packages from loved ones, is a great feeling. To be one of the personnel to help co-ordinate this task is very rewarding,” Matthew said.
A graduate of the Gorokan High School, Mathew decided to join the Navy in 2006 because he desired a career that was challenging and rewarding. After completing basic training, Matthew undertook a further 18 months of specialist training at HMAS Kuttabul before joining his first ship the Adelaide Class frigate HMAS Darwin.
Matthew is currently on his third overseas deployment, this time serving with HMAS Toowoomba in the Middle East as part of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s contribution to the international campaign against terrorism and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
As a ship’s Writer, Matthew is not only responsible for a range of important administration tasks like making sure the crew is paid, but is also a member of Toowoomba’s Ship’s Medical Emergency Team, Flight Deck Team and Line Handling Team for when the ship berths and departs a port.
Not surprisingly, Matthew is looking forward to November when HMAS Toowoomba returns to Australia after the six month deployment.
“I am especially looking forward to catching up with my parents and thanking them for all the support they have given me while away,” Matthew said.