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Foreign Military Exchange Program Builds Bridges Between Navies

Story Number: NNS030214-03
Release Date: 2/14/2003 8:44:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Tony Diaz, USS Constellation Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CONSTELLATION, At sea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy has a long-standing tradition of working alongside foreign nations to help protect the sovereignty of our allies. Partially because of that, it's now common to see service members from various allied countries throughout the world serving aboard U.S. Navy ships around the fleet.

Leading Seaman Natasha J. Thomas works for Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1 and is one of a handful of crew members from an allied country serving aboard the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64).

Thomas may be one of the most noticeable people on "America's Flagship." Aside from the never-ending smile she brings wherever she goes, Thomas's uniform is somewhat different than the standard U.S. Navy-issue coveralls. Her uniform is light gray in color, and her rank is represented on the shoulder boards on her uniform.

Born and raised in the laid-back city of Brisbane, Australia, Thomas enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) four years ago and quickly moved up the ranks. Today she is an E-6 serving on her fourth six-month overseas deployment.

It is her first deployment, however, aboard a U.S. Navy warship.

"This has been a really good experience for me," Thomas said. "I never thought that I, personally, would get the chance to work here."

Prior to enlisting in the RAN, Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in business management. Shortly after losing interest in "bean counting," Thomas was enticed by the exciting and challenging world the RAN had to offer.

"I've always gotten bored quickly with my previous jobs," Thomas said. "The Navy offered me a chance to experience new things and to see the world."

Making the transition from the RAN lifestyle to that of the U.S. Navy was not a problem for Thomas, since the two services are similar and share many of the same traditions.

"There was really no adjustment, in terms of fitting into the Navy lifestyle," Thomas said. "The only adjustment I needed to make was with the language; calling things by different names than what I'm used to.

"The hardest part is the same for everyone I suppose," she added. "Being away from your loved ones."

As a communications specialist, Thomas single-handedly does a job that is equivalent to four U.S. Navy ratings. Her pay is reflective of her rate, not her rank.

"We get paid according our jobs," Thomas said. "Someone who has a rate that requires less skill and education won't be paid as much as someone who has a highly technical job."

The most notable difference between the two services is their size. The RAN has approximately 12,500 service members, a small fraction of the 383,505 men and women who make up the U.S. Navy.

While there are a few small differences between the two countries' navies, there are many more similarities. The ships, ratings and several of the traditions of the Royal Australian Navy are identical to those of the U.S. Navy.

No matter what country a Sailor is from, one thing remains true: The experience the Navy offers is one of adventure.

"Not too many people have served on a U.S. ship," Thomas said. "It's a huge honor and a privilege. Serving on board Constellation has been an experience of a lifetime."

Thomas and Constellation are currently deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.