Three of HMAS Toowoomba’s senior officers have spent almost a century between them patrolling the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Currently deployed on Toowoomba’s 2026 regional presence deployment across East Asia and South-East Asia, their task is to help deepen Australia’s defence partnerships across the region, enhancing the ability to work seamlessly with regional partners. 

Reflecting on nearly a century of service, they took a moment while operating in the South China Sea to share their thoughts on the promise of the next generation of Royal Australian Navy officers.

Marine engineering officer Lieutenant Commander Shawn Mortimer said the future has never been brighter.

“The next generation is very smart, so I am quite confident they are able to achieve what we require into the future, especially as our crews get smaller and our ships more technologically advanced,” Lieutenant Commander Mortimer said.

Soon to be posting ashore, the marine engineering officer first enlisted almost 30 years ago as a junior sailor aboard HMAS Newcastle. His first deployment involved patrolling the South China Sea, and his final deployment will do so again.

He feels the Navy has been enriched by the talent and confidence of the younger generation.

“Today’s young sailors have the confidence to speak up and say what they believe is right or wrong. Bringing their voices into the decision‑making process is a real strength,” Lieutenant Commander Mortimer said.

'I believe the future of the Navy is in good hands.'

A sentiment echoed by weapons electrical engineering officer Lieutenant Commander Darcy Cook, who believes that advances in technology have been a big driver in uniting crews in ways he never thought possible as an able seaman on the Perth-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart 36 years ago.

“Ships are a lot more cohesive and integrated today. My first ship had a crew of more than 330 people, today a ship’s crew is half that size. It means we have a closer appreciation of what other departments do from the top down,” Lieutenant Commander Cook said.

He is also confident that the Royal Australian Navy will be well prepared to weather any storm.

“I believe the future of the Navy is in good hands. I think the next generation of officers coming through is well trained, competent and ready to meet the challenges we face in the future,” he said.

Toowoomba’s maritime logistics officer Lieutenant Commander Kimberley Neech first joined the frigate HMAS Adelaide as a young officer of the watch. She said it was not the ocean, but her shipmates she would miss most.

“I have 26 years of memories on these ships. I remember all the good times. The port visits, the unique moments at sea, watching people have growth and the wins when you’re developing and training them,” Lieutenant Commander Neech said.

Her advice to the next generation of officers is simple: remain humble, curious and empower your sailors to succeed.

“Be open-minded, learn from the mistakes of other people, be humble and trust that your junior sailors, for the most part, are very experienced and well educated. If you give them the opportunity, they will surprise you every time,” she said.