Our People in VIC
Shane Thomson - EUROA SAILOR SAYS “ALOHA”
Able Seaman Thomson has also served in Victoria, New South Wales and, through his postings to various RAN ships, has also been to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia and now Hawaii.
“I love being in the Navy and my service has helped me realise a childhood dream of travelling the world. It’s all I wanted to do since I was a kid growing up in Euroa,” said Shane.
Able Seaman Thomson attended FCJ College, Benalla and Bendigo Senior Secondary College and has been a member of the Euroa Tennis Club.
“My role on board is varied,” he said
“Although my principle job is Officers’ Steward, I am also on the Boarding Party Team and a member of the Ship’s Medical Emergency Team.”
Shane said that the best thing about the opportunity to visit ports such as Hawaii on these exercises was the chance to work alongside foreign navies in a co-operative environment.
“It’s a privilege to be part of such a professional team.”
Currently posted to replenishment ship HMAS Success, Shane is part of the contingent with four Australian ships which are participating in RIMPAC 2008 in Hawaii.
RIMPAC is a biennial multilateral exercise held in the Hawaiian Islands Operating Area. Countries participating with their navies include Australia, Canada, Chile, Netherlands, Japan, Peru, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the USA. The exercise is intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea, on land and in the air. RIMPAC is the largest maritime exercise in the world. By enhancing interoperability between participating countries, RIMPAC promotes stability in the Pacific Rim region to the benefit of all.
The Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to Exercise RIMPAC 2008 includes HMA Ships Success, Anzac, Tobruk and Waller, Clearance Diving Team 4, Fleet Battle Staff and a Headquarters element. RIMPAC 08 was conducted from 27 June to 31 July 2008 and is the 21st in the RIMPAC series.