Our People in SA
Craig Jackson - Modbury Digger Gets Sea Legs
“After Modbury High School I joined the Army Reserves and then, in 2001, I made the switch from reserve to regular. I started as a Gunner with 48 Field Battery but now I’m a cargo specialist aboard HMAS KANIMBLA, a Navy amphibious transport ship — and I’ve been here since January this year.
Before KANIMBLA I’d already deployed overseas to Butterworth in Malaysia, to the Solomons in 2003 and 2004, and then the Middle East in 2006. I was also involved in security at the Sydney Olympics back in 2000.
“Aboard KANIMBLA it’s my job to look after all the cargo on the ship— including loading and unloading the cargo and vehicles. And I’ve got to make sure it’s secure in transit.
“For me the best part of the job is the satisfaction when all the cargo is on and tied down. You feel you have achieved something that is important to the mission, and it means the ship and the Navy crew can set sail in safety.
“Aboard KANIMBLA you could end up being sent anywhere, but my best deployment so far has been the Middle East in 2006. You could see the end result, and you knew it was helping all those people who needed it.
“But after something like that it’s always good to relax and unwind.”