Our People in NSW
Trent Shaw - Casino Man’s Navy Commendation
Casino’s Trent Shaw had a great 2011, especially last April when he received a ‘Commanding Officers Commendation’ aboard HMAS Parramatta. He and his 180 shipmates then ended the year on pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa. They will be back home next month.
“The Commendation has to be one of the highlights of my career to date,” said Trent. “They are rarely given out and let you know that you are performing above what is expected.”
Trent joined the Navy some 15 years ago as a teenager and decided to become a communications information specialist, His skills now range from satellite communications to morse code and using signal flags that Captain Cook would have recognised.
“My job has seen many changes during my time. Now I’m also responsible for maintaining and administrating the ship’s onboard Local Area Networks. There are always new pieces of equipment to learn how to operate.
“As the communications centre manager I look after satellite connections, tactical voice circuits, and formal data messages both into and out of the ship,” said Trent.
It’s not Trent’s first overseas operation. He was deployed to the Middle East aboard HMAS Anzac when she was awarded a Unit Citation for providing naval gunfire support during the Iraq conflict in 2003.
“I’ve been on many overseas trips during my career to date. My first trip overseas was through South East Asia visiting Indonesia, Philippines, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. I have also been to Hawaii twice, New Zealand and some of the Pacific islands.
Since departing Sydney on 26 September 2011 Trent and his 180 shipmates have alreadyconducted maritime security operations in the Gulf region and around the Horn of Africa; including counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the Gulf of Aden; and supported counter-terrorism activities. This is the 27th rotation by a RAN ship to the MEAO since 2001.
“Just knowing that we are helping to provide stability and security to the region makes the time away from home easier to bear,” said Trent.
“One of the reasons I’m still in the Navy is the support from my family and my wife, Bridgette. She understands that I love my job, even though there are times that I am away from her and our children for extended periods.
“The periods when I get back home tend to be high quality. Just doing the little things with my family — getting my kids ready for school, helping with homework, reading to them in the evenings and playing in the backyard — is a priority for me,” said Trent.