Ahead of Anzac Day, Able Seaman Ryan Hicklin prepared for a homecoming with special significance. 

A combat systems operator (CSO) on board HMAS Brisbane, Able Seaman Hicklin marched in Melbourne for the first time since joining Navy, an occasion he described as an honour and a deeply personal milestone.

Able Seaman Hicklin’s naval journey began at HMAS Cerberus, where he completed recruit school before progressing to initial employment training at HMAS Watson. 

From there, he joined his first ship, HMAS Hobart, and later transferred to Brisbane, continuing his career within Australia’s advanced air warfare destroyer fleet.

Working on destroyers has left a lasting impression. 

“It’s unbelievable, and unbelievably fun,” Able Seaman Hicklin said. 

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to work on both Hobart and Brisbane.” 

As a CSO, his role centres on warfare at sea, with a particular focus on anti-air operations, one of the most critical capabilities in modern naval warfare.

Looking ahead, Able Seaman Hicklin is eager to remain in this domain. 

“I’d love to stay on destroyers, and being at sea is what I want,” he said.

'Being back to march with my favourite ship, in my favourite city, with my favourite people watching was an honour and very exciting.'

His enthusiasm extends to the future of the fleet, particularly Australia’s planned acquisition of the Mogami-class frigate, one of which Able Seaman Hicklin was privileged to visit during a trip to Japan last year. 

“I’m excited to see what the future will look like,” he said. 

Originally from Balnarring on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Able Seaman Hicklin’s connection to Navy began long before enlistment. His grandfather served as a civilian instructor at Cerberus, and he often accompanied him to work on the base. 

“Being from Balnarring, I had a lot of chances to visit Cerberus as a cadet and as a school student, and it was a big eye-opener for me,” he said. 

“I got to see Navy from a young age, and I developed a love for it very early.” 

These experiences made his own time at recruit school uniquely familiar, setting him apart from many of his peers, and that lifelong connection came full circle on Anzac Day. 

“This was my first Anzac Day back in Melbourne as part of Navy,” he said.

“Being back to march with my favourite ship, in my favourite city, with my favourite people watching was an honour and very exciting.”