7 July 2025
Growing up in the semi-rural Queensland town of Jimboomba, Leading Seaman Sarah Kidd always had a love for the outdoors.
Surrounded by cattle and sheep farms, with the beach just a 45-minute drive away, she spent her spare time surfing and jogging, developing a passion for fitness and adventure.
When the time came to choose a career path, she found herself drawn to the Navy’s strong fitness culture and opportunities to travel the world.
The only issue? Deciding which of the hundreds of jobs would suit her passions best. That’s where the Navy Gap Year program came in.
The Navy Gap Year is a 12-month program that allows participants to experience various roles within the Navy before committing to a specific career.
For Leading Seaman Kidd, this was the perfect opportunity to explore her options before finding her calling as a combat systems operator (CSO).
Leading Seaman Kidd said the job’s tactical nature attracted her.
“What drew me to the role was understanding the why, the where and the what behind every action,” she said.
“Having that tactical picture in front of you at all times is essential.”
'The Navy has given me the confidence and skills to do things I never thought I would.'
Leading Seaman Kidd admits that when she first joined the Navy she had little interest in politics or global affairs. However, through her training and experiences, her perspective changed.
“I feel as though I’m more aware politically,” she said.
“I have a greater understanding of what’s going on in the world thanks to the knowledge and training I’ve received in the Navy.”
As a CSO, Leading Seaman Kidd works in high-pressure environments, monitoring surface and air contacts while providing critical intelligence to command.
The role demands strong multitasking abilities, confidence in public speaking and leadership skills.
Looking back, Leading Seaman Kidd acknowledges how much she has grown since joining the Navy.
“At 21, I don’t think I could have imagined myself leading a team in an operations room or giving briefings to high-ranking officers,” she said.
“The Navy has given me the confidence and skills to do things I never thought I would.”
Reflecting on her career so far, Leading Seaman Kidd highlights two standout moments: participating in a missile-firing exercise with the US Navy and assisting in the rescue of 40 Sri Lankan nationals during a mission on Operation Resolute.
“It’s not every day you get to say that you fired a missile on board a warship,” she said.
“And being part of a mission that saved lives, that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
As Leading Seaman Kidd continues to excel in her role, she hopes her story inspires others to explore the life-changing opportunities the Navy offers.
