While many young Australians join the Navy to see the world, the feeling of returning home is still something that is hard to beat, as Leading Seaman Joseph Walker discovered recently.
A marine technician on board HMAS Stalwart, the Launceston native returned to his home state in February alongside his crewmates to commemorate an important Tasmanian tradition.
Stalwart was in port to celebrate the 188th Royal Hobart Regatta and received the honour to serve as the flagship for the iconic regatta race.
As part of her support across the weekend, more than 650 locals also stepped on board for an open day event, while other guests were treated to an official reception.
Leading Seaman Walker was excited to reconnect with family and friends back in Tasmania.
"My parents, brothers and sisters are still up in Launceston, but they're coming down for the weekend so there will be plenty of family time," he said.
"I'm just looking forward to catching up, heading out for lunch and spending time together."
The return home provided Leading Seaman Walker with a chance to reflect on his own Navy journey and his motivations for serving his country.
"My grandfather and great-grandfather were in the Navy, but that wasn't necessarily the defining moment for me," he said.
"I was just really drawn to be part of something that was much bigger than myself and the Navy has certainly done that for me.
"I also really wanted to see the world and learn a skill that I could carry with me through life and that's exactly what this job has done for me.
"I love being a part of this. The friends you meet are lifelong and you get to travel to places and have experiences that you would never have had, and may never again. It's a great lifestyle."
Stalwart's presence at the Royal Hobart Regatta continued a decades-long tradition of ADF support for the aquatic festival, which began more than 50 years ago.
The Stalwart name has also had a long affinity with the regatta race, with Stalwart II serving as the flagship three times in the 1970s.
The ADF supported a range of other activities across the regatta long weekend, including an aerial display by the Air Force Roulettes, performances by the RAN rock band and ADF career activations.
