Lead communications technician instructor Petty Officer Christopher Smyth is encouraging people to consider becoming a Navy instructor, describing his current role at the Navy Engineering Systems Centre as the most rewarding of his career.
Petty Officer Smyth joined the Navy in 2006 at the age of 18, looking for travel and adventure.
He found both in a career that has included conducting anti-piracy operations in the Persian Gulf in 2013 and being involved in the rescue of Indonesian fishermen in the Indian Ocean in 2021, among other achievements.
He has previously worked as a damage control instructor (DCI), but it was a 2019 posting aboard HMAS Anzac that really inspired him toward the role of an instructor.
"I have always enjoyed passing on my knowledge and experience, for example as a DCI," Petty Officer Smyth said.
"But in 2019 I posted to HMAS Anzac which was having the NewGen Communications Suite installed.
"The experience I gained from effectively commissioning a brand new system was unique and valuable.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without being mentored by more experienced sailors and I had this fantastic opportunity to pass as much of this back into the engineering community as possible."
Much of Petty Officer Smyth's time is spent face-to-face with the students at HMAS Stirling.
'To anyone considering becoming an instructor, it will be the most rewarding position you have ever had, as long as you are willing to put in the work.'
Under his instruction, students learn how to effectively operate and maintain Naval communications equipment, often forming ongoing working relationships on their path towards technical mastery.
