Our People in NSW
Tara Riley - Camden’s Sailor Tara is Heading for Padang
Camden’s Tara Riley is now aboard HMAS Kanimbla and heading to earthquake-shattered Padang in Sumatra.
Tara, 20, joined the Navy in June 2008 as a Boatswain's Mate, specializing in on-deck seamanship and small arms. It’s not her first overseas trip with the Navy but it is her first international rescue mission.
Tara joined HMAS Kanimbla straight after her basic training. It’s one of two Navy amphibious transport ships and it’s now crammed with emergency supplies and rescue teams.
Tara said after participating in so many exercises since joining the ship, she was glad to be putting her skills to use in a real-life situation.
"It's good to be able to do the things we are trained for and to help people first-hand in their time of need," she said.
Tara's job sees her employed in a number of roles onboard, not least being watch-keeping on the bridge where she "drives" the ship under the supervision of the Officer of the Watch.
"As a Boatswain's Mate, I am also involved in weapons handling, watch-on-deck duties and driving the RHIBs (rigid hulled inflatable boats)," she said.
"I am also a member of the ship's boarding party."
In her short naval career Tara has visited New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and now Indonesia.
She joined the Navy for four years with an option to extend that time when her current contract expires.