3 August 2022
Although a relatively new workgroup standing up in 2020, the maritime human resources officers (MHRO) proved essential during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.
HMAS Canberra’s MHRO Lieutenant Commander Laura Watman has ten Navy years under her belt, previously serving as a maritime warfare officer.
Having achieved her goals and aspirations in that chapter of her life, she said her passion for human resources (HR) and the people space was what prompted the switch.
“My time as an MHRO at sea has encompassed Operation Tonga Assist and now RIMPAC, it’s certainly been a steep learning curve,” Lieutenant Commander Watman said.
An MHRO provides strategic, operational and tactical level HR planning and assessment as well as specialist advice to command on all aspects of HR and inform effective decision making.
“Canberra is fortunate, as we were the first ship to have two established MHRO’s on board, but we’re a large crew with capacity to embark hundreds,” Lieutenant Commander Watman said.
While she conducted the Task Group J1 function during deployment, Lieutenant Commander Watman’s deputy stepped up and assisted in overseeing the general HR functions of the ship.
“During RIMPAC we’ve seen multiple amphibious and air operations which involve the movements of personnel on and off the ship, sometimes these transfers are opportunistic enabling members to cross decks to platforms within our task group,” she said.
“Staying agile and making sure I am tracking these movements is essential for command.”
With the proper training, Lieutenant Commander Watman is able to adapt to many unforeseen situations.
“Members flying back to Australia for compassionate or welfare related issues require me to ensure they are supported with the mechanisms they need as part of the role,” she said.
“I think that’s where the function of an MHRO is important. I’m really enjoying the job, it’s rewarding and as the branch grows, knowledge and skills will evolve among the maritime personnel community.”
Lieutenant Commander Watman also expressed how difficult her role can be.
“At times it’s challenging, especially during pre-deployment periods where there is a number of assurance activities that need to occur prior to the ship being ready to deploy, such as personnel compliance checks and battle worthiness assessment,” she said.
This was Lieutenant Commander Watman’s second RIMPAC, but her first as an MHRO and said the workload in Pearl Harbor was extremely demanding during the first port visit.
“Although it was busy it was a great learning experience and I love RIMPAC, but I am looking forward to a nice break in Hawaii on the second port visit.”
