Our People in NT
Adam Sharp - Alice Springs Local Now All At Sea
For former Alice Springs local Adam Sharp, the past eight years since leaving home have seen him all at sea with the Royal Australian Navy. Currently serving in the Middle East in support of Operation Slipper, Lieutenant Sharp is the Deputy Supply Officer on board the Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Parramatta.
Joining the RAN in 2003, Lieutenant Sharp completed his initial officer training at the Royal Australian Navy College, HMAS Creswell. He then undertook further specialised training as a Supply Officer which equipped him for duties in logistics and supply of ships at sea.
His current posting to sea sees him responsible for the day-to-day management of the logistics and supplies for HMAS Parramattato ensure it is well provisioned and equipped for six months at sea.
“On board HMAS Parramatta I’m responsible for the management of the ship’s Supply department and overseeing the operation of five sub-departments, including medical, catering administration and stores.
“It’s a busy job but like all officers onboard I also have a number of ancillary duties which include the ship’s helicopter control officer, boarding party officer, safety officer and visits liaison officer,” he said.
It’s little wonder that Lieutenant Sharp said he finds the job rewarding particularly with the opportunity to also travel. Listing off some of the places he has already seen he cites, trips to Christmas Island, Surabaya (Indonesia), Penang (Malaysia), Sattahip (Thailand), Singapore and the Middle East among the highlights.
“It’s difficult to put into words why I love my job. The feeling that I am part of something important and making a difference towards the security of our nation protecting our sea lanes and safeguarding our territorial areas, is very rewarding.
“This particular deployment is important to me because I feel as if I now have the opportunity to promote the Royal Australian Navy as a globally responsible and professional organisation who is making a real contribution to the security and stability of the Middle East Area of Operations – combating the opportunities for terrorist organisations to take hold and potentially preventing acts of piracy against merchant shipping,” said a proud Lieutenant Sharp.
When he returns to Australia from his current deployment, Lieutenant Sharp plans for a posting ashore and is looking forward to spending quality time with family and settling back into a more stable routine.
“My goals and ambitions are always evolving. Promotion to Lieutenant Commander is the short term goal with a view to expanding my knowledge in both the operational space and the integrated logistic supply project management areas.
I see this as a long term career and with an employer like the RAN the career opportunities are many and varied. Who wouldn’t love a job like this,” said Lieutenant Sharp.