Growing up in Ayr, Queensland, Able Seaman Thomas Wiseman was torn between two paths: following in his father's footsteps or pursuing a passion inspired by his mother.
"I was going to join the Army because my dad was Army and my grandfather was Army. But my mum is a pastry chef by trade, and my real love of cooking I got from her," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
Luckily, he not only went to his parents for advice, but actually listened to them.
"Dad suggested I join the Navy. He said in the Navy, chefs cook every day at sea and travel the world," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
As a chef on board HMAS Toowoomba, over the past five months he's visited six of Australia's regional partners and engaged in multiple exercises, activities and operations with allied nations, all while being trained to become a fully qualified chef.
"I went straight from school to enlisting and it was the best decision I have ever made by far. In just two years in the Navy, I've visited six countries and done several deployments. I love it," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
While learning his trade through Navy, he doesn't have to worry about the competitive, seasonal nature of the hospitality industry and the lack of job security that can sometimes go with it.
"The pay is so much better. In the civilian world, I would be on an apprentice wage. In the Navy, you get paid more and you learn more skills," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
'In just two years in the Navy, I've visited six countries and done several deployments. I love it.'
There are also additional duties that allow him to develop the skills and knowledge required to live a well-rounded, adult life.
"On top of being a chef, we have all of our external roles as well. I am a member of the ship's emergency medical team, so if there's a medical incident I could be one of the members to go and respond. It is a great responsibility," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
Every day, Toowoomba's chefs produce four meals for about 200 crew, ensuring all watches on board are fuelled to carry out their duties protecting Australia and its interests.
"Without the stokers, the ship doesn't go anywhere. Without the watchkeepers keeping us safe, we can't do much, so while us chefs are also important in keeping the ship going, the entire crew is one big team," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
His biggest thanks remain for his parents, whose wise words set him up for life.
"I reckon if my mum saw this in the paper, she'd absolutely love it, frame it and hang it up on the wall," Able Seaman Wiseman said.
"They're still up there in Ayr, so Dad, if you're reading this, I took all the advice you'd given me. I am so glad you convinced me to go Navy, it was the best advice I ever had."
