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Alana Dobson - Mornington Sailor Heads For War Duty

Local sailor Alana Dobson and her 184 shipmates are now getting seriously focused.  They are aboard HMAS STUART and heading for six months’ duty in the Persian Gulf. One key job will be guarding Iraq’s two giant oil terminals, which produce over 80% of the country’s income. They will also be hunting down contraband runners.

“I was brought up in Hastings, and went to Red Hill Consolidated School before moving on to Mornington Secondary College. I also worked at the Sapphire Lodge Riding Centre but most people will remember me from when I worked at Ritchie’s Supermarket Deli!

“I joined the Navy straight after Year 12 in 2002. I wanted a uni degree so I went to the Australian Defence Force Academy and graduated in 2005 with a BA in Economics and Indonesian. But I’m still consolidating my warfare knowledge as an officer of the watch — always learning.

“Aboard STUART my job is navigation and warfare, mainly on the bridge. Off watch I spend time completing administration — only then can we socialise in the wardroom or cabin with movies and video games.

“It’s not my first overseas trip — I’ll already been to the Philippines, China, Japan and Guam, East Timor, and now the Persian Gulf. I love the travel and experiencing new cultures — and I enjoy doing what I was trained to do.

“When we get back there’ll be more courses for further qualifications, but I’m also hoping to fit in a holiday with the family to Europe.”

Alana is one of some 1500 members of the Australian Defence Forces who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.