It’s with a mixed bag of feelings that Royal Australian Navy Seaman Will Richards waved goodbye to his parents for his first overseas deployment.
Seaman Richards is one of around 120 Seaman and Able Seaman among the 240-strong crew of the Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney, which sailed from Fleet Base East, Sydney, on June 9, for the Navy’s third regional presence deployment for 2026.
“I was lucky to celebrate my 20th birthday at home in Sydney with my family last week, and now I’m looking forward to sailing to some far off places. It’s a mixed bag of feelings – sad to be leaving my family behind but excited for what lies ahead,” Seaman Richards said.
Sydney will be participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 26) in Hawaii in late June and July before sailing onwards through South-East Asia.
“I haven’t been to the United States before so I’m looking forward to seeing some new places and doing some different things on this deployment,” Seaman Richards said.
A combat systems operator (CSO), Seaman Richards followed his father, James, and brother, Sam, into the Navy.
“Dad was a chief petty officer on HMA Ships Perth and Sydney (III), and Sam is a marine technician on HMAS Arunta,” Seaman Richards said.
“Dad is happy and proud that I’ve joined the Navy. I enjoy talking to him about my work and learning, and getting tips from him about life in the Navy.”
‘It’s a mixed bag of feelings – sad to be leaving my family behind but excited for what lies ahead.’
Also sailing for her first military exercise is Seaman Elise Greco, 22, from Malvern in Victoria.
She is the first member of her family to join the Navy. It is a far cry from the life she thought she was going to lead.
“At school I thought I was going to be a chef and I had jobs working at functions, in real estate and as a receptionist,” Seaman Greco said.
“I joined the Navy as a CSO. It’s something completely different to the outside world. Initial entry training was a hard slog over 26 weeks, but I got through it. I’ve met some great friends and I’m looking forward to moving up the ranks and travelling to some interesting places.”
Able Seaman Caitlin Elford, 21, from Kambah in Canberra, doesn’t regret joining the Navy for a minute and recommends the sea life to other young people looking for a career.
“I was always interested in military stories and movies,” she said.
“It’s been great so far. You make a lot of friends and it feels like home to me now.
“I’ve never been outside of Australia before so I’m looking forward to my first overseas trip and seeing some of the world.”
After participating in Exercise RIMPAC 26, HMAS Sydney will participate in training activities, engagements with allies and partners, and will maintain regional presence in the Indo-Pacific.
