Perseverance and patience was rewarded when a young creative sailor was given the opportunity to pursue her passion for photography in the Royal Australian Navy.
Seaman Imagery Specialist Genae Kelly grew up in Bendigo, Victoria. At 17, she moved to Darwin to complete her schooling, where she learned about the Navy from a close family member.
"I finished high school and joined the Navy as a Gap Year sailor," Seaman Kelly said.
"I turned 18 and wanted to do something different, something I really loved."
After completing her Gap Year program, Seaman Kelly knew exactly what career she wanted to pursue.
However, the imagery specialist employment category was not open for direct entry at the time, and only accepted transfers from current full-time serving members.
"I never really wanted to leave the Navy," Seaman Kelly said.
"It was only because the imagery specialist employment category wasn't open for direct entry yet that I had to make an alternate decision.
"The job that appealed to me most in the Navy was photography."
Seaman Kelly chose to revert to reservist status in order to keep her options open.
During this down time, Seaman Kelly bought a camera and spent six months backpacking across Europe honing her photography skills while waiting for an opportunity to return to Navy service.
'I'm grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people. The Navy has truly become like a second family to me.'
She stayed in contact with the Navy Imagery Unit, checking for updates to the recruitment process. She believed the Navy would eventually have a position for her in her dream job.
"I knew this was the best option for me. The people were always supportive, and it was something I absolutely loved," Seaman Kelly said.
Officer-in-charge at Navy Imagery Unit - East, Chief Petty Officer Helen Frank, said Seaman Kelly consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and strong enthusiasm for the role.
"She was very excited to hear the Navy had a position open on the 2025 imagery specialist course," Chief Petty Officer Frank said.
"I told her, put your application in and we'll see how you go."
Seaman Kelly wasted no time in applying to come back. She said her passion for travel and previous experience within the imagery employment category during her Gap Year service made the decision an easy one.
Her patience and persistence paid off when she became the first Gap Year sailor to transfer into the imagery specialist category.
"I knew it would happen one day," Seaman Kelly said.
"I'm grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people. The Navy has truly become like a second family to me."
Seaman Kelly will soon be promoted to Able Seaman, complete her Skill Grade Two qualifications and is looking forward to deploying more in the future.
