Able Seaman Phoebe Poole.
Photo by
CPL Michael Currie
There’s always a positive feeling in the air when a warship pulls into an Australian port after being at sea, not least for members of the crew due to be reunited with family.
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As HMAS Arunta made its transit through Port Phillip Bay recently, headed for the Port of Melbourne, this was certainly the case for one young aviation technician.
Able Seaman Phoebe Poole is a member of Flight 801, within 808 Squadron, based at HMAS Albatross in NSW.
Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft (AB-ATA) Phoebe Poole from 808 Squadron's 801 Flight, works on the embarked MH-60R-Sea Hawk helicopter, aboard HMAS Arunta.
Photo by
CPL Michael Currie
The flight was embarked on Arunta with its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter during its Navy Week visit to Melbourne.
For the young Aussie born and raised in Echuca, the journey from the Murray River and ski boats to high seas and warships was one she was always interested in.
However, the turn to the navy, and to aviation, became clear through the ADF Gap Year program.
“I’ve always been interested in defence as a job,” Able Seaman Poole said.
“I chose the Navy Gap Year program because they give you a wide variety of experiences and you can check out lots of different jobs and roles.
“I was posted to HMAS Albatross, and I liked aviation, so I decided to specialise as an aviation technician aircraft.”
Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft (AB-ATA) Phoebe Poole.
Photo by
CPL Michael Currie
Able Seaman Poole spent 14 months training at RAAF base at Wagga, and finished with nine months of specialist Seahawk training at Albatross, before posting to 808 Squadron.
“We get great training as ATAs,” Able Seaman Poole said.
“I have a Certificate IV in Aero Skills (mechanical), and this could give me a pathway to a civil aviation job if I ever decided to leave navy.”
An ATA is responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft systems, components and support equipment, ensuring fleet air arm aviation assets such as the Seahawks remain airworthy.
HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) was open to the public recently. Docked at Station Pier, at the Port of Melbourne, the event was part of Navy Week 2025, celebrating the Royal Australian Navy’s 124th birthday.
Photo by
CPL Michael Currie
“While we are embarked, our day-to-day depends on whether the aircraft is flying or not,” Able Seaman Poole said.
“On flying days, we pull the helicopter out of the hangar, conduct our safety checks and prepare it for flying.
"We use non-flying days for scheduled and sometimes corrective maintenance, and at sea, everything is done twice as often as at home in Nowra.”
Flight 801’s embarkation on Arunta was Able Seaman Poole’s first time at sea as an ATA.
“It’s very different to life at Albatross. But the crew have been so nice and welcoming,” Able Seaman Poole said.
“One of my highlights in navy was getting a Seahawk flight during the transit to Melbourne; taking off from the ship’s flight deck and flying over Mallacoota and the national park was awesome.
“If someone was looking at doing this, I’d say give it a go.
“Most roles have initial commitments similar to a university degree, but you’re getting paid to do it, and get to see things that not many people will get to in their lives.”
During Arunta’s visit, Able Seaman Poole was able to be with her family, who travelled from Echuca, and give them a personal tour of the ship and Seahawk during the open day.
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