Our People in NSW
From Sydney to Sumatra, it’s all in a day’s work for Kent - Kent Hanson
Murgon’s Kent Hanson is now part of Australia’s emergency relief operation in Sumatra.
He’s aboard HMAS KANIMBLA, one of the Navy’s two amphibious support ships. Kent and his shipmates set sail for Sumatra after the Indonesian government’s call for help was received, their ship packed with relief supplies and military emergency teams of medics and engineers
The former Murgon State Primary and Murgon High school student is now a Leading Seaman and part of the team responsible for the maintenance of the ship’s Sea King helicopters.
As a specialist aircraft technician, Kent is playing a key role in HMAS Kanimbla’s ability to embark aircraft and to keep them operational, shifting stores and people back and forth during the operation.
Kent also plays a role in the aircrafts’ take-offs and landings by providing a point of contact on the flight deck for the pilots.
“Essentially, we control all movements of aircraft on the flight deck,” he said. “It’s a pretty busy environment out there during helo operations, so you don’t want aircraft or people going where they are not supposed to.”
After joining the Navy in 2001, Kent completed his basic recruit training near Melbourne before his 18 month specialist trade training at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW.
“From there I joined 817 Squadron at Naval Air Station Nowra followed by a number of sea postings,” he said.
During his career, Kent has earned a number of commendations, including the Australian Service Medal and a Commanding Officer’s Commendation.
Kent said he gets home to Murgon whenever he can which allows him to catch up with family and childhood friends.
HMAS Kanimbla is one of two RAN amphibious transport ships and is normally based in Sydney.