As HMAS Sydney berthed alongside in Yokosuka, Japan, Able Seaman Anna Kuroda saw her home country for the first time from a Navy ship.
As a boatswain's mate she has prime position on the forecastle. She is a member of the cable party and recently assumed responsibilities as the supervisor of berthing line handling teams.
She recently stepped up to take charge of the forecastle for the entire berthing evolution.
"Essentially I direct the members of my line handling teams, and I am responsible for their safety, whether it's tying lines or reporting to the buffer [chief bosun/boatswain's mate]," Able Seaman Kuroda said.
Originally born in Tokyo, Able Seaman Kuroda joined the Navy from her now-hometown of Cairns.
But while back in Japan she planned to stay with her grandparents and visit cousins.
"This is my first Japanese port visit with the Navy and it is good. I think it's the first time Sydney has pulled into Japan and I'm excited to be a part of it," she said.
"It's been my favourite thing about this deployment so far, just being able to go home, speak the language, eating Japanese food and maybe doing a bit of shopping."
Joining the Navy to travel overseas, Able Seaman Kuroda has gotten to do that.
"I'm 23 and I've been on two different regional presence deployments, visited a range of different countries, travelled around every major city in Australia and this is just during my first posting to a ship," she said.
Her role as a boatswain's mate is hands-on, from driving rigid hull inflatable boats, to training and handling small-arms weapons and seamanship evolutions such as lines, helming the ship and replenishments at sea.
"It's a very practical role, which I enjoy and would recommend to people wanting to join the Navy," she said.
"I'd also recommend that if they want to come on deployments, consider serving in guided missile destroyers in general, and particularly Sydney."
HMAS Sydney is conducting a regional presence deployment to enhance cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies.
