Our People in VIC
Andrew Woods - Blackburn sailor on earthquake relief operation
Blackburn man Andrew Woods is a Seaman Medic onboard HMAS Kanimbla as she steamed towards the earthquake affected region of Sumatra in Indonesia.
"It's an adventure -- we are going to a foreign country to do what we have been trained to do, and that is to provide medical treatment to those who need it."
Andrew, 21, joined the Royal Australian Navy from Blackburn two years ago and has since undergone recruit and medical category training before joining Kanimbla only last August.
After recently spending six weeks in Papua New Guinea waters exercising with the PNG Defence Force, Kanimbla is now on its way to earthquake-ravaged Sumatra as part of Operation Padang Assist, the Australian response to a request for assistance by the Indonesian Government.
As a medic Andrew is a valuable member of the ship's company but It’s going to be a busy time ahead for this Blackburn man.
"My job involves looking after the wellbeing of the entire ship's company and any embarked forces," Andrew said.
"I am also the point of contact in emergency scenarios until further health care can be provided."
And there is plenty of that just over the horizon.
Andrew’s ship, HMAS Kanimbla, is one of two RAN amphibious transport ships and is normally based at Fleet Base East in Sydney.