Our People in SA
Alanna Smith - Gawler
Gawler girl, Alanna Smith, joined the Royal Australian Navy after hearing her Dad's stories of his time in the Royal Australian Air Force which sparked her interest in serving in the Defence Force.
After completing year 12 at Kapunda High School, Alanna, 22, joined the Navy as a medic. She now has a Diploma of Paramedical Science and her day to day job involves caring for out patients, administration, reception duties and being a part of the emergency response team.
Alanna is currently using her medical skills in the Pacific Islands as a member of the Pacific Partnership 2011 team.
Pacific Partnership is an annual Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) program that aims to strengthen alliances and promote multilateral security cooperation.
Now in its seventh year, partner nations continue their mission to improve the lives of people in the Pacific region, as well as improve the capacities of nations and organisations to respond to disasters through recurring opportunities for cooperation and training.
Alanna has been working in remote villages in the countries of East Timor and the Federated States of Micronesia, giving medical aid to people who don't often have access to proper medical care.
Alanna said that she really enjoyed her work, the friendships she has made and social interaction of dealing with patients. She has also enjoyed learning more about medical science.
"This deployment has been a great opportunity to help out people in countries less developed than ours," Alanna said. "Flying to the remote site of Iliomar in the helicopter was amazing, the mountains of East Timor are incredible."
Alanna is also studying for her Bachelor of Nursing degree which will give her the opportunity to become a commissioned officer if she chooses to.