The former Canobalas High School student joined the navy in June last year and now he’s completing his training aboard the frigate HMAS Arunta at Fleet Base West near Perth, serving as a warrant officer.

“I’m here to get my competencies signed off ... I’m aboard arunta until July,” Shaun said.

“I’ve specialised as a bosun’s mate, all the good stuff. It means on-deck seamanship, guns and boarding parties.”

As the trip is his first long trip, Shaun was hoping his maiden voyage will set him on a path to a great career in the navy.

“We’ve had some sea time, but no long trip yet, though we’re going to south-east Asia in the middle of the year. I wish I’d joined earlier,” he said.

“After that I’ve got no preference, anywhere will be good, seeing Australia and the world! Even over this Anzac Day I got to Bunbury [about 150 kilometres south of Perth] as part of the navy contingent.”

Shaun hopes to be back home for Christmas, to see his aunties and uncles and his nan Jean in Orange.

“I try to get [to Orange] when I can anyway. Catching up with family and mates is always good.”