Navy sailor lands dream images gig

Perseverance and persistence was rewarded when a younger artistic sailor was given the chance to pursue her ardour for images within the Royal Australian Navy.

Seaman Imagery Specialist Genae Kelly grew up in Bendigo, Victoria. At 17, she moved to Darwin to finish her education, the place she realized concerning the Navy from an in depth member of the family.

“I finished high school and joined the Navy as a Gap Year sailor,” Seaman Kelly mentioned.

“I turned 18 and wanted to do something different, something I really loved.” 

After finishing her Gap Year program, Seaman Kelly knew precisely what profession she wished to pursue.

However, the imagery specialist employment class was not open for direct entry on the time, and solely accepted transfers from present full-time serving members.

“I never really wanted to leave the Navy,” Seaman Kelly mentioned. 

“It was solely as a result of the imagery specialist employment class wasn’t open for direct entry but that I needed to make an alternate determination.

“The job that appealed to me most in the Navy was photography.”

Seaman Kelly selected to revert to reservist standing as a way to maintain her choices open.

During this down time, Seaman Kelly purchased a digital camera and spent six months backpacking throughout Europe honing her images expertise whereas ready for a possibility to return to Navy service.

‘I’m grateful to be surrounded by such supportive individuals. The Navy has actually turn into like a second household to me.’

She stayed in touch with the Navy Imagery Unit, checking for updates to the recruitment course of. She believed the Navy would ultimately have a place for her in her dream job.

“I knew this was the best option for me. The people were always supportive, and it was something I absolutely loved,” Seaman Kelly mentioned.

Officer-in-charge at Navy Imagery Unit – East, Chief Petty Officer Helen Frank, mentioned Seaman Kelly persistently demonstrated a optimistic angle and robust enthusiasm for the function.

“She was very excited to hear the Navy had a position open on the 2025 imagery specialist course,” Chief Petty Officer Frank mentioned.

“I informed her, put your software in and we’ll see the way you go.” 

Seaman Kelly wasted no time in making use of to come back again. She mentioned her ardour for journey and former expertise inside the imagery employment class throughout her Gap Year service made the choice a simple one.

Her persistence and persistence paid off when she grew to become the primary Gap Year sailor to switch into the imagery specialist class.

“I knew it would happen one day,” Seaman Kelly mentioned. 

“I’m grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people. The Navy has truly become like a second family to me.”

Seaman Kelly will quickly be promoted to Able Seaman, full her Skill Grade Two {qualifications} and is wanting ahead to deploying extra sooner or later.