HMAS Warramunga's Command Warrant Officer Kathryn Holmes is preparing to retire this year after 37 years of service.
Originally from the small coal mining town of Leigh Creek, six hours north of Adelaide, Warrant Officer Holmes joined Navy as a stores sailor shortly after finishing high school.
She was among the first group of female junior sailors to go to sea in the Royal Australian Navy, posted to the Adelaide-class frigate HMAS Canberra II.
After her promotion to leading seaman, she posted to HMAS Sydney.
In the middle of work-ups, the September 11 attacks occurred, prompting the ship to complete its work-up on the way to Darwin, re-store and deploy to the Middle East for six months.
Warrant Officer Holmes said it was a deployment that forged friendships for life.
"Most of us had joined that year; 9/11 happened and we sailed a week later. We did not know what we were going into," Warrant Officer Holmes said.
"The bond we formed during work-ups and in the Middle East was huge. We still catch up now. The stokers, greenies [electronics technicians] and storbies [stores personnel] all still see each other."
'Owning my mistakes and taking accountability gave me credibility with my peers. Whether something was good or bad, they had my back more often than not.'
When she returned to Sydney as a chief petty officer, many of those same sailors were chiefs as well.
"For a while I was the only female chief in the mess, but because we already had that relationship, we all got along well," Warrant Officer Holmes said.
"We just picked up where we left off and got to work."
Warrant Officer Holmes served on multiple ships and bases including HMA Ships Melbourne, Waterhen, Sydney, Success and Brisbane, as well as Fleet Headquarters, Sea Training Group and Defence Force Recruiting. She also deployed to Bahrain and the Middle East again.
Along the way, she learned one of the most important lessons of her career.
"Just be honest. I do not have the memory to remember lies. It's hard work," Warrant Officer Holmes said.
'Her integrity, clarity and care made her a leader people listened to, relied on and looked up to throughout her career.'
"Owning my mistakes and taking accountability gave me credibility with my peers. Whether something was good or bad, they had my back more often than not.
"There is no point shifting blame. Just say, 'Yes, that was us. Let's crack on'."
Warrant Officer Holmes said her leadership journey was shaped by many people rather than one single influence.
She learned from the good and the bad, grew from every interaction and always stood up for what she believed in.
"I remember having full-on arguments with one of my bosses about adherence to policy. When we finished, he would say, 'I love our debates'," Warrant Officer Holmes said.
"I would say, 'They were not debates. They were arguments.' But at least he enjoyed the interactions."
Long-time friend Commander Deb Butterworth said Warrant Officer Holmes' leadership style was direct but grounded in empathy.
"Warrant Officer Holmes is a highly respected senior sailor who embodies honesty, forthrightness and unwavering support for those around her," Commander Butterworth said.
"Her integrity, clarity and care made her a leader people listened to, relied on and looked up to throughout her career.
"Finishing her career at sea is a testament to her dedication and enduring commitment to the Royal Australian Navy."
