Growing up in Williamstown, Victoria, Lieutenant Ryan Hanaphy remembers the pride and excitement of seeing Anzac-class frigates built in his hometown. 

Years later, that childhood connection came full circle when he was posted to HMAS Toowoomba shortly before the birth of his second child.

That excitement quickly turned to concern when he learned the ship would embark on a near six‑month regional presence deployment across East and South-East Asia, meaning he would likely miss his daughter’s birth.

“The first thing that went through my mind was ‘how are we going to prepare for me being away?’ and that I wasn’t going to be there,” Lieutenant Hanaphy said.

Despite the challenge, his wife Jessica – also a Navy officer – encouraged him to deploy, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to both family and service.

“It shows her strength and resilience, willing to sacrifice my support at home. I have so much trust and faith in her. She’s an incredibly strong woman,” Lieutenant Hanaphy said.

In a surprising turn, Navy enabled him to return home in time for the birth of his youngest daughter, reflecting a broader effort to support personnel and their families.

“It’s incredible that the Navy is family-centric to do this. It shows how we’re trying to meet the needs of people and their families while maintaining capability,” Lieutenant Hanaphy said.

'I wanted to come back and finish what I started.'

Before departing from Toowoomba in Vietnam, Lieutenant Hanaphy had contributed to a demanding deployment, visiting five regional partners and participating in multiple multinational exercises and operations with allied nations.

Three weeks after the birth, he rejoined the ship in the Philippines, despite being encouraged to take eight weeks of parental leave.

“I wanted to come back and finish what I started,” he said, noting Jessica would “hold down the fort” at home.

This Mother’s Day, he paid tribute to his wife and her dual role at home and in uniform.

“She’s an amazing mother to our two daughters, caring, supportive and dedicated. She’s a superhero,” Lieutenant Hanaphy said.

Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison said supporting people strengthened capability.

“The Navy is just empty ships without our people. Whenever possible, we support them with the same commitment they give their country,” she said.

For Lieutenant Hanaphy, the sacrifices he and Jessica make are ultimately for their daughters, Autumn and Clover, and the future they are working to protect.

“We’ll always take every opportunity to be there for them and prioritise them,” he said.