4 April 2025
Able Seaman Naffissa Mohamed’s story is one of hope, tenacity and determination.
Born in Eritrea, a country fraught with internal strife since the 1960s, Able Seaman Mohamed and her family were forced to leave the country in the 1990s, when an unelected presidential dictatorship took control of the country.
“When I left Eritrea at the age of seven, I began a long journey which started in Sudan and the grim reality of a refugee camp there, followed by a long trek into Egypt and a United Nations shelter,” Able Seaman Mohamed said.
“We left behind everything we’d known.”
Despite living as a refugee in Egypt for seven years, Able Seaman Mohamed never gave up hope and, one day, life changed in an extraordinary way.
“Our names were on a refugee list and, by some miracle, Australia accepted us and we moved to Melbourne,” she said.
“Nothing could prepare us for the joy we experienced when we arrived in our new country.”
Melbourne’s welcoming Eritrean community supported Able Seaman Mohamed and her family as they settled in.
“From the minute we landed in Melbourne we had around us caring and supportive people,” she said.
“Our home was ready for us and we walked straight in – it was an incredible feeling.”
Apart from embracing everything Melbourne had to offer, Able Seaman Mohamed also contributed to her own Eritrean community by providing support for young people.
Even today, her example helps those within that community who look to Able Seaman Mohamed as a community role model.
'From the minute we landed in Melbourne we had around us caring and supportive people.'
Her journey to serving in the ADF grew from a genuine sense of wanting to give something back to her new home.
“I became initially interested in serving when I was learning English in Melbourne,” Able Seaman Mohamed said.
She became more curious about the training and educational opportunities available in the ADF, as well as the diversity of the roles available.
“I wanted to become part of something bigger than myself and contribute to Defence’s important strategic mission,” Able Seaman Mohamed said.
Appreciating the structure and the leadership opportunities Navy provides, she embraced tertiary education.
“Initially, I completed a business computer degree and most recently a Master's of Business Administration,” Able Seaman Mohamed said.
“Completing these studies and having Navy’s support to make it happen has been a dream come true.”
Able Seaman Mohamed has found the tangible impact of her work with Defence to be just as rewarding.
“Although these educational opportunities have been amazing, I’m equally proud to have participated in disaster relief missions with Navy,” she said.
“This is a big thing for me, because with my background as a refugee, being able to support and assist others in need is a big thing; I’ve been there, I understand.”
Able Seaman Mohamed serves at RAAF Base Amberley in the Joint Movements Section.
“I’m responsible for supporting the logistics needs of our ships, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed in their missions,” she said.
'By sharing her journey, she has helped our team become more aware of different cultural perspectives, fostering a more respectful and inclusive workplace.'
Importantly, Able Seaman Mohamed feels culturally safe in her role and works with a team who are supportive of her goals and aspirations.
“I feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute in my role,” she said.
Able Seaman Mohamed’s supervisor, Lieutenant Kosta Botsikas, was effusive in praise of her contribution to Defence.
“Naffissa has a great ability to remain calm and focused during high-pressure situations. For example, during a demanding task, she leads by example, showing confidence and problem-solving skills that motivate her team,” Lieutenant Botsikas said.
“She also speaks multiple languages and has assisted with translations, ensuring clear communication in situations where language barriers might exist.
“Naffissa has been awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation, which recognises her outstanding contributions and leadership.”
Able Seaman Mohamed also received the Sailor of the Quarter award in 2022 for outstanding professionalism and team work.
“[Her] experiences have provided our team with a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees face, from displacement to cultural adaptation,” Lieutenant Botsikas said.
“By sharing her journey, she has helped our team become more aware of different cultural perspectives, fostering a more respectful and inclusive workplace.”
Looking to the future, Able Seaman Mohamed is considering commissioning as an officer.
“I’m keen to explore leadership roles, so I’m going to pursue a Defence-supported coaching course, which is designed to help with my leadership skills,” she said.
With Defence and her husband Corporal Akram Saleh’s support, Able Seaman Mohamed is set to commence doctoral studies this year.
“Joining the Navy was my dream, and yet I’ve achieved so much and have so much more ahead,” she said.
“I was welcomed, respected and I was an equal – that’s a reflection on the Navy but also Australia and its warm and inclusive culture.”
