After about a quarter of a century in service to the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, one of HMAS Kuttabul's newest sailors has swapped the grey skies of London for the sunny streets of Sydney.
Petty Officer Hadleigh Hannington-Daley was born in south-east London in the 1970s and followed in the footsteps of his family to join the Royal Navy as a stores accountant.
During his 24-year naval career, Petty Officer Hannington-Daley served on seven ships, worked alongside 30 Commando Royal Marines and had multiple overseas deployments.
But it was his time with the Australians that had a lasting impact on his life, and part of the reason he is now serving under the Australian white ensign.
"Having previously served alongside the ADF overseas and during joint operations, there was something drawing me in," he said.
"It wasn't just their no-nonsense approach and strong camaraderie, but the stories of outdoor Australian life at the beach, camping and hiking that sealed my decision to join the RAN [Royal Australian Navy]."
In 2022, Petty Officer Hannington-Daley began the process of joining as an overseas lateral entrant.
'Having previously served alongside the ADF overseas and during joint operations, there was something drawing me in.'
It was at Australia House in London that Petty Officer Hannington-Daley pledged his allegiance to his Australian brothers and sisters.
He arrived at the gates of Kuttabul in April 2025, joining as a petty officer, maritime logistics supply chain.
While setting up his new life in Sydney, Petty Officer Hannington-Daley said the support he received from the personnel support unit was invaluable, assisting with housing, allowances, account setup and adapting to cultural differences.
He has even overcome the most glaring barriers: the dialect differences.
"I'm now fluent in Australian. I found adding an 'O' to the end of most words is the trick," he said.
On Australia Day, Petty Officer Hannington-Daley officially became an Australian citizen.
"I hope to continue progressing through the ranks, with the goal of becoming a warrant officer before retiring for a final time," he said.
