 |
|
|
The Royal Australian Navy has a code of values which serve as a constant source of moral courage to take action. Don't think of them as rules, rather as a set of principles that guide our members, to be the best they can be and to get the most out of their time in the Navy.
This is the fundamental value upon which the Navy's and each individual's reputation depends. It demands of our members honesty, courage and loyalty. The individual is expected to always act fairly and with integrity.
Complete truth is the foundation of any successful and supportive working environment. It allows us to be the best we can be and to make decisions based on what is right for the Navy.
This is the strength of character to do what is right in the face of personal adversity, danger or threat.
The display of truth, honesty and fairness that gains respect and trust from others.
Being committed to each other and to our duty of service to Australia.
It takes a certain kind of person to prosper in the Navy. A willingness to work hard and to adapt to new situations is essential. Although leadership qualities are positive and will be called on in certain situations, above all else we value team players, who enjoy working with others to make things happen. You need a love of adventure for the stints at sea and a good sense of fun.
The history of the Royal Australian Navy can be traced back to 1788 and the British colonisation of Australia. In 1901 our first Naval Forces were established, with the official title bestowed by King George V in 1911. Two years later the registered fleet streamed through Sydney Heads for the first time.
Following the end of WW11 the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was the fifth largest in the world. Although its size was reduced after this event it still featured prominently in many Cold War era conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been active in every ocean in the world in its relatively short life. Its more recent history has seen it form a critical element in Australian led operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
The Navy has a number of time honoured traditions which survive today as a reminder of the rich history you are about to become a part of. Customs and traditions are important factors in the growth and maintenance of naval esprit de corps, the spirit of comradeship and commitment to a cause.
This is a tradition that survives from the middle ages and exists today as a display of respect between fellow officers and visiting dignitaries. It originated with knights who used to wear steel armour that covered their entire body. When two friendly knights met, it was the custom for each to raise the visor of their helmet for purposes of recognition and greeting. By making themselves vulnerable to attack in this way, the salutation was a gesture of trust and respect.
Nowadays officers are saluted, with the junior rank initiating and the superior officer returning the salute. The Navy salute is unique amongst the Services, with the palm of the hand turned downwards. This is said to have originated in the days of sailing ships when tar and pitch were used to seal the timber from seawater, as a result the palms of naval members were often dirty through working with lines.
When you join the Navy you have the opportunity to earn a wide range of medals that reflect outstanding individual efforts, or involvement in significant missions. Members, who served for over 30 days in East Timor, when Australia led the movement to remove the occupying Indonesian power from the territory, received an International Force East Timor Medal. It featured the dove of peace with an olive branch on one side with the words TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR.
Medals that reflect outstanding individual efforts include Australian Gallantry, Distinguished Service and Conspicuous Service Decorations. And of course there is Australia's most prestigious Gallantry Decoration, The Victoria Cross for Australia.
This refers to the flying of the Australian National Flag / Australian White Ensign at sea. The term also signifies the naval ceremony of the daily hoisting and lowering of the National Flag and/ or Ensign. In the Royal Australian Navy colours are always hoisted at 8 o'clock in the morning and lowered at sunset. Ships at sea fly the Ensign twenty four hours a day.
The Ceremonial Sunset is one of the oldest and most significant of naval ceremonies and now usually concludes days of special importance. Ceremonial Sunset is traditionally maintained by Navies throughout the world to salute the lowering of the Ensign at the close of the day.
Fitness in the ADF
The Real Sea Patrol
Battleships Extreme
NEOC 38