Our People in VIC
Robert Gould - Wangaratta local sweats it out onboard warship in Middle East
Wangaratta local, Robert Gould, is sweating it out in the machinery spaces onboard Royal Australian Navy ship, HMAS Toowoomba, to ensure the ship can carry out its mission in the Middle East.
The ANZAC Class Frigate is currently serving at sea on operations in the Middle East as part of Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.
Rob has been in the Navy for six years and is a Marine Technician currently holding the rank of Leading Seaman.
“This is the first time I’ve been on an operational deployment and the most challenging thing up here in the Middle East is the hot weather. It can get up to 50 or 60 degrees in the engine spaces, which makes it very difficult to work for extended periods of time,” Rob said.
His main role onboard is to maintain and repair the propulsion systems onboard the 3600 tonne Warship including the gas turbines, diesel engines, gearbox and shafts. In addition to looking after the propulsion equipment onboard, Rob is part of a team that is the first to respond to an emergency such as a fire, flood or toxic hazard onboard. The ship’s own crew members must be able to handle any emergency at sea where help is a lot further than a simple phone call away.
“The thing I like about my job is that it’s varied, and I’m always learning new things. The travel is also good, I’ve been all around Australia including Tasmania, Sydney, Darwin and the ship is based in Western Australia just south of Perth,” Rob said.
Rob is currently working hard to achieve his “Marine Systems Technician” ticket onboard which will mean he can be solely responsible for the propulsion engineering plant for the duration of a ‘watch’ which is usually a four hour period. To attain this ticket takes a lot of hard work and study.
Rob, 26, went to Galen Catholic College and played football with the North Wangaratta Football club and still has family and friends there.
“My little brother, Tim, still lives in Wangaratta but my mum has moved to Benalla,” he said.
Rob is looking forward to seeing his girlfriend Erica, and also having a few beers and a barbecue when he gets home to Australia.