Thirty-seven Royal Australian Navy (RAN) members began 2024 as keen volunteers on a personnel exchange program.
After spending five months in Guam, many of the volunteers are now on board United States submarine tender USS Emory S. Land. The ship recently arrived in Australia as part of a deployment to the Western Pacific.
The RAN personnel will continue to integrate with their US Navy counterparts to enhance their training, skills and experience in maintaining nuclear-powered submarines.
In addition to these volunteers, a contingent of RAN members remains alongside in Guam on board USS Frank Cable - Emory S. Land's sister ship - continuing their training to execute maintenance on nuclear-powered submarines.
Marine Technician Able Seaman April Franklin has been working closely with her US Navy counterpart, Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class Reef Anthony. She has enjoyed the experience of sharing knowledge, developing her skills and forming new friendships.
"The Emory S. Land crew have been so welcoming and generous with their time, and we have had great collaboration from day one," Able Seaman Franklin said.
"We have loved sharing our cultures and traditions, from celebrating Australia Day in Guam to watching AFL with them. As it was my and many others' first time at sea, we were involved in their 'crossing the line' ceremony."
Despite some challenges, including learning maintenance systems, new acronyms and a slightly different rank structure, Electronics Technician Able Seaman Chelsea Scarcella said integrating with the US crew was quick and easy.
"The Emory S. Land crew are all professional and respectful and when we are working together on a maintenance task, everyone knows exactly what they are meant to be doing," Able Seaman Scarcella said.
"This opportunity has given us the chance to hone in on our craft by learning from masters of the craft."
As is always the case when at sea, food is a big highlight.
The sailors enjoy the wide selection of fresh fruit and freshly cooked omelettes to start their day. However, it's hard to resist ending the day on a sweet note with the ship's extensive ice cream station come dessert time.
