It's not every day sailors have lunch and ask candid questions of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, but that is exactly what the sailors of HMAS Brisbane did this month.
"It's one thing to talk about vision from Canberra, but it's another thing to hear the real insights from those who are doing the work, pushing new innovations every day and I'm here to listen," Vice Admiral Hammond said.
The visit was part of a broader initiative for Vice Admiral Hammond, which included a television interview with 9 News' 60 Minutes program, meeting the Commanding Officer of Brisbane and a clear lower deck for an address about Navy's future, culture and the evolving maritime space.
Vice Admiral Hammond delivered a frank and forward address, reinforcing the current strategic environment and touched on capability, people and the growing demands placed on today's sailors.
He highlighted the people who serve in Navy and those who support them to serve their country.
"At the end of the day, Navy's mission relies on our people, and that's why being here matters. I want to listen, learn and say thank you in person," he said.
'We agreed it takes a certain amount of devotion to balance a sailor's responsibility on board and their responsibility to their loved ones at home.'
Vice Admiral Hammond also commended the ship and its crew for maintaining operational security around the recent Tomahawk firing, stating that the level of discretion was "exemplary".
After a question from a sailor, Vice Admiral Hammond candidly shared that his hobby of reading had been temporarily replaced by the sheer volume of material required for his current role.
The visit ended with a lunch with junior sailors where Vice Admiral Hammond enjoyed connecting with more sailors over a meal.
One of them was Leading Seaman Nathaniel Sanders.
"It was refreshing to sit with the Chief of Navy and talk all things Navy. We spoke at length about family values, and how rewarding our service is, even if it does come with great personal sacrifice," Leading Seaman Sanders said.
"We agreed it takes a certain amount of devotion to balance a sailor's responsibility on board and their responsibility to their loved ones at home."
Having started his naval career as a junior sailor in 1986, Vice Admiral Hammond encouraged the young sailors to embrace the opportunities ahead and to take pride in being part of the next generation to shape the future of Navy.
