WELCOME ABOARD: Able Seaman Kristy Brown will be acting as a mentor to Jervis Bay Public School students. She is pictured being welcomed to her role by principal Bob Pastor. Photo: LEA HAWKINS
ABLE Seaman Kristy Brown hopes to be able to inspire children from the Wreck Bay community to reach for the sky and follow their dreams.
AB Brown grew up at Wreck Bay, attending Jervis Bay Public School, and is now returning to her old school on a regular basis as a mentor to the students.
“I went to school alongside the navy kids,” she said.
“Growing up with the navy kids, joining the navy was always something I wanted to do – I had the chance when I was 18 but didn’t feel I was ready. When the situation came up again about four years ago I jumped at it.
“I have had a long association with the school, and hope to be able to visit on a regular basis and hopefully let the students, and particularly the Koori students, know that it is a big world out there with lots of opportunities.
“There are places other than the community and if they aim high and work hard they can achieve.
“Prior to being based back here at Albatross, every chance I got I tried to get back to the school, and visit in uniform and hopefully inspire the kids.
“The kids love listening to someone else’s stories of where they have been and looking at photos.
“I’m really excited by it and it’s a great opportunity for both me and the kids.
“It’s great to get back there and see how it is going and how many Koori kids are attending the school.”
Currently working in the maritime logistics supply chain at HMAS Albatross, AB Brown was previous posted to HMAS Melbourne and undertook a six-month deployment in the Middle East.
“It was the first time I was part of a ship’s company and it was a great experience,” she said.
In her current role she provides logistic support for Fleet Logistics Support Element.
It has to ensure that all deployed helicopter squadrons and flights at sea have all the equipment and supplies that they need.
It can be high pressured at times, especially when the Fleet Air Arm is in a busy operational period with a number of embarked flights continuously at sea.
“We are largely responsible for their serviceability, ensuring they have everything they need,” she said.
Jervis Bay Public School principal Bob Pastor spoke highly of Kristy.
“It is wonderful she wants to give back to her community and schools. She’s not only working with us but also with students at Vincentia High. I think it is fantastic,” he said.