12:00a.m. 10th August 2008

Maroochydore sailor Duncan Rodley, 27, is currently serving in the Marine Engineering Department of one of the Navy’s most advanced warships, the HMAS Melbourne.

The Royal Australian Navy has always been at the forefront of technological innovation and engineering.

Few roles better illustrate the Navy’s quest for technical excellence than the evolution of the ship’s stoker into a multi-skilled engineer responsible for the upkeep of the ship’s propulsion system which these days is likely to be a gas turbine similar to those encountered in modern jet aircraft.

Maroochydore sailor Duncan Rodley, 27, is currently serving in the Marine Engineering Department of one of the Navy’s most advanced warships, the HMAS Melbourne.

“The thing I like most about being a stoker is working with a team of people to ensure the safe and reliable operation of a multi-million dollar engineering plant,” he said.

On any given day Duncan could be responsible for the operation and maintenance of everything from the power generation plant right through to gas turbines and their associated control equipment.

“It’s a great feeling to know that without our efforts the ship could not go anywhere,” he said.

Having joined the Navy in 2003 and with previous service in the HMA Ships Sydney and Darwin, Duncan has already enjoyed a varied and exciting career and Melbourne’s recent visit to Vanuatu allowed him to actively help the local community.

A team from the ship assisted in the refurbishment of a Port Vila primary school; including a donation of books and educational material purchased from the crew’s welfare fund.

When asked about his most memorable moment in the Navy Duncan, cites his promotion to the rank of Leading Seaman.

He achieved this on completion of a demanding training program and rigorous selection process which saw Duncan obtain many contributing qualifications.

For now Duncan has the full support of his family to pursue his Naval ambitions. His wife, Blanche and son, Patrick naturally miss him a great deal; “but they are proud of my decision to serve in the Royal Australian Navy,” Duncan said.