Our People in SA
Scott Matthews - Preston Sailor on Frigate’s last Deployment
“I graduated Year 12 at Reservoir High School. By the time I was 21 I decided I wanted to see the world and have a career too, so I joined the Navy in 2005 — it seemed to offer a lot of opportunities and a diverse lifestyle.
“Now I’ve achieved my Certificate III in Engineering and been promoted to Able Seaman. I’m part of the marine engineering team which maintains the air compressors, fridges, plumbing, plus fresh water and desalinated water.
“In an emergency I’m also part of the Fire Party — we are the first to deal with any emergencies or incidents.
“As an Able Seaman I’m still at the learning stage — but I also take the new seamen and show them what is required.
“In Engineering, we work close together as a team. When things break down it’s a good challenge to apply my skills to fix it.
‘The best part of being in the Navy at sea is “mucking” around with the boys” — it’s really social! Living so closely together you get to really know people very quickly then, when we are in different ports we all go out to explore as a group.
‘The travel aspects are an eye opener. I have seen countries I never really thought I’d see — and I don’t mind being away, because coming home is such a good feeling.”