Our People in NSW
Bateau Bay man finds his naval calling – Scott “Bobo” Feeney
Bateau Bay’s Scott Feeney bounced around from career to career for ten years after he left school, and now he’s bouncing around the seas off the Top End of Australia. It’s all part of Operation RESOLUTE, securing Australia’s frontiers and apprehending illegal foreign fishing vessels and people smuggling.
After graduating from The Entrance High School in 1992, Scott found himself doing everything from massage therapist to tuna boat fisherman. He also tried his hand at retail, shipping exporter and nurse before he found his true calling in the senior Service.
Now 35, Scott is the only communications and information specialist onboard his patrol boat. He is responsible for ensuring that the Commanding Officer of his Darwin-based patrol boat stays in touch with headquarters ashore and with other boats.
Scott’s role is demanding, but he never lets things get too serious and has been known to pull out his fancy balloons which he used to use as a self-employed clown on the Gold Coast. In fact, he’s been affectionately nicknamed ‘Bobo’ by his crew.
“When things get too intense it only takes a few minutes of balloon twisting to get the guys laughing again,” Scott said.
“The best part of the Navy is the diversity of my work,” Scott said, “I’ve been able to change the type of work I do every year or so without having to change my employer!”
Scott enlisted with the Navy in 2003 and hasn’t looked back since.
“I used to surf every day back on the coast,” Scott said. “I chose the Navy because I love the ocean.”
But in October Scott will be back to the Central Coast to visit family and friends and, of course, chill out on the beach.