Our People in WA
Samantha Tracey - WYOMING SAILOR BACK FROM FRIGATE’S LAST VOYAGE
Samantha’s parents still live in Wyoming along with her grandparents, aunts and uncles. But after graduating Year 12 at Lisarow High School, Sam chose a different path.
Sam took an Electronics Exam at the Recruiting Office and passed. Positions were then offered to her throughout all services and she chose Navy. ‘You can go any where in the World with the Navy and I love to experience travel and different cultures.’
“I’ve now achieved my Cert III in Engineering (Electronics), and I also have a Cert II in Tourism which I’ll be using when I change career paths.
“On ADELAIDE I was responsible for the surface search radar and for the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) — this distinguishes between friendly aircraft and potential enemies — and for the tactical displays too.”
Sam is also responsible for test equipment to be organized and calibrated and if need be return to stores. “It’s rewarding when there is a fault and I know what to do to repair it. It stimulates knowledge and you learn more about yourself, your abilities and your equipment. I love the challenges that it gives me. When there is a fault I will have the stress right there and then, but it’s exciting to get in and put the knowledge together to get it fixed.
“The social aspect on a ship is awesome. You make so many friends and some you will have for life. We muck around and joke quite a bit which breaks up the monotony. But it’s still a male-dominated environment so you have to stay open-minded!”