Our People in SA

For Elizabeth North’s Jess Mysko, defending Australia is practically the family business. Her father and eldest sister were already in the RAAF and another sister in the Navy. Now Jess is herself is aboard HMAS Parramatta and on pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa.

“I knew I wasn’t ready for University after Salisbury East High School,” Jess says now. “The Australian Defence Force seemed a great opportunity to gain experience, travel and study at the same time.”

Decision made, Jess packed her bags and headed to the Mornington Peninsula where she completed a nine-month Basic Medics course at HMAS Cerberus.  Then came 18 months at St Vincent’s Hospital Navy Ward including three months at sea.

“Like any job, this one has its ups and downs but I really like the fact that the medical branch is close-knit, almost a second family which is invaluable whilst away,” said Jess

“At sea I work under a clinical manager and there is more clinical work to be done. We do initial and review consults, teach basic first aid to the ship’s company and advanced first aid to the medical emergency team. We manage medical fitness of the crew — and are on standby for any medical emergency.”

When she returns from patrol, Jess is looking forward to catching up with friends and family.

“I have a niece who I haven’t met yet so I am really looking forward to meeting her, enjoying a few wines with my best friend and my mum and a nice home-cooked meal from my Dad.”

Since departing Sydney on 26 September 2011, Jess and her 180 shipmates aboard HMAS Parramattahave 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 Middle East since 2001.

Further details of HMAS Parramatta and her deployment are available at the below link: http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Parramatta