HMAS Watson

HMAS Watson is the RAN's premier maritime warfare training establishment. It's role is to prepare officers and sailors "to fight and win at sea".

17/03/2026

Recently, HMAS Watson participated in the Annual Fleet Run-Fleet-Run event @ HMAS Penguin and it’s safe to say we had some of the best of the Fleet representing us in this event.

MIDN Cassandra Heaslip was the overall winning female on the day and came in 2nd for her age group! Cassandra delivered an outstanding performance, putting in a strong showing across all disciplines and dominating the run legs of the event. 🏊‍♀️

CPO Bobbie Ashman also had an amazing performance- taking out 1st place in his age category. Bobbie also delivered a strong performance across all legs of the event, setting the pace early in the run, maintaining a solid swim, and finishing strong to secure the win in his division. 🏃

Their efforts, determination and competitive spirit were a fantastic representation of their commitment to service and to HMAS Watson. 💪

Events like this are a great opportunity to bring the Fleet together through sport and physical challenge- and it’s awesome to see Watson performing at such a high level. Please join us in congratulating all who competed and thanking HMAS Penguin for coordinating such a successful event!

10/03/2026

Yesterday, International Women’s Day was marked at HMAS Watson with a morning tea bringing base members together to recognise the contributions of women across our Navy and broader community. ☕⚓️

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and the work that still lies ahead ⚖️. During the morning tea, our CO spoke about how far the Navy has come in supporting women, and the important steps we can continue to take moving forward to ensure an inclusive, supportive environment for all.

A special thank you to the women across our Navy community both past and present who support, strengthen and help keep our Navy running every day — both in uniform and behind the scenes. 💜

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped recognise the achievements, resilience and leadership of women across our workforce.
⚓️

18/02/2026

This week at Watson

Our ship’s company came together for a Shrove Tuesday welfare event 🥞—complete with pancakes, good humour, and a chance to connect outside the tempo of daily training.

Events like this aren’t just about tradition or a sweet start to the day. Welfare plays a critical role in sustaining effective operations and high‑performance training at HMAS Watson ⚓. When our people are supported, connected, and given moments to reset, they return to the mission more focused, lethal, and ready to deliver 💪.

A strong welfare culture strengthens teamwork, sharpens decision‑making, and underpins the naval professionalism expected of every sailor and officer passing through Watson 🎓.

Bravo Zulu to the team who organised the event 👏
and to all who took time to check in, share a laugh, and look after each other.

At Watson, welfare isn’t an add‑on—it’s part of how we stay operationally ready 🚢.

03/02/2026

📘 HMAS Watson – 2025 Wrap‑Up

As 2026 kicks off, HMAS Watson reflects on 2025, a year of commitment, achievement, and professionalism from our ship’s company and trainees. This year has reminded us yet again that our people remain our greatest strength.

🎖️ Honours & Awards

🏅Australian Defence Medal

Congratulations to MSWO Rahal Dergham, SBLT Nissi Wehl, AB Luke Keen, and AB Karan Jain on the award of the Australian Defence Medal in recognition of their dedicated service.

🏅National Emergency Medal – Clasp (NEM)

AB Christopher Lyne for service from 31 Mar – 7 Apr 2017 as part of the CAN SAE Catering Sector, HQ 17 CSS.

🏅Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection

AB Carl Sully McDaniel Herzog for service aboard HMAS Arunta (7 Nov – 13 Dec 2024).

🏅Australian Operational Service Medal – Indo‑Pacific

PO Matt Frazer, HMAS Choules (7 Nov – 9 Dec 2023)
PO Grahame Murray, HMAS Ballarat (3 Apr – 24 Jun 2017)
LS Owen Skjeime, HMAS Warramunga (26 Mar – 6 Jun 2018)

🏅Defence Long Service Medal – 1st Clasp

LS Owen Skjeime

🏅Navy Command Commendation

LS Jessie Gamble
LS Amanda Smider

🥉Bronze Commendation

LS Kaitlyn Cowl
LEUT Jonathan McKitrick

🥈Silver Commendation

CMDR Alicia Runde

🥉Bronze Service Medallion

LS Brittany-Marie Smith

📈 Promotions

Able Seaman to Leading Seaman

Amy Pellow
Jack Foulstone
Samantha Lubke
Teaghan Goodger
Cassandra Thornhill
Haimish Kilner
Sebstian Green

Leading Seaman to Petty Officer

Jan‑Daniel Struthers
Charlie Wolfenden

Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service are recognised and celebrated by all at HMAS Watson.

⚓ Looking Ahead to 2026

As we farewell 2025, we thank our people, families, and wider Navy community for their support throughout another busy and rewarding year. We look forward to continuing to train, lead, and support the Fleet in 2026.

Fair winds and following seas. 🌊🇦🇺

02/12/2025

⚓️ Sydney/Emden Mess Dinner – HMAS Watson 🇦🇺🇩🇪

HMAS Watson proudly hosted the Sydney/Emden Mess Dinner, commemorating one of the most storied naval engagements in history and celebrating enduring ties between Australia and Germany.
This year’s dinner was honoured by the presence of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of Navy Germany, and acclaimed author Mike Carlton, whose work has brought the Sydney/Emden story to life for generations.

Held in true naval tradition, the evening was a powerful reflection on shared history, professional respect, and the strength of international maritime partnerships. From formal toasts to thoughtful conversation, the event embodied the spirit of camaraderie and remembrance.

Bravo Zulu to all who contributed to this exceptional evening.

14/11/2025

💪 Resilience in Action – HMAS Watson at Camp Cove 🌊

Last week, members of HMAS Watson stepped away from the routine and into the natural beauty of Camp Cove for a hands-on Resilience Training Session — designed to strengthen mindset, build team cohesion, and foster personal growth.

Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the session tested members ability to push through their perceived limits. Sailors engaged in meaningful exercises that reinforced the importance of mental fitness in the maritime environment.

A huge thank you to our Physical Training Instructor team and participants for embracing the experience with energy and openness.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about bouncing forward.

12/11/2025

🏆 Watson Wins Big!

“Teamwork, Trust & Tactical Brilliance Drive Watson to Glory!”

The HMAS Watson handball team dominated the European Handball Tournament at Indoor Sports World — going undefeated and clinching the title with a commanding grand final win over FSU! 💪

🔥 Match Highlights:
• Undefeated run
• Top scorers: MIDN Naranjo, MIDN Northies & MIDN Seid
• MVP: SBLT Karunanayake – a wall in goals
• Tactical genius: POPTI Liddle
• International impact: LTJG Santos & LTJG Lianes

From first whistle to final buzzer, Watson didn’t just play handball — they owned it. A dynasty in the making, make room in the trophy cabinet! 👑

10/11/2025

🌊 HMAS Watson Welfare Week 🌞⚽️

HMAS Watson came alive with the spirit of community, competition, and connection as we celebrated Welfare Week — a vibrant fusion of Families Day and the legendary Mick Dunne Cup.

From the laughter of kids exploring Navy life to the fierce but friendly battles between shipmates, the week showcased what makes Watson special: our people.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families Day brought together sailors, partners, and little ones for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Ship tours, face painting, BBQs, and live music made it a memorable experience for all.

⚽️ Mick Dunne Cup saw teams from across the base compete in a high-energy sporting tournament, honouring the legacy of Mick Dunne and celebrating camaraderie through sport. A huge shoutout to all who played with heart!

Thank you to our organisers, volunteers, and participants for making Welfare Week a resounding success. Events like these remind us that behind every uniform is a family, a team, and a community supporting us to do what we need to do in service of our nation.

06/11/2025

🎖️ Honouring Service and Dedication at HMAS Watson 🎖️

Congratulations to our outstanding sailors who have been recognised for their commitment and service to the Royal Australian Navy:

🏅 Defence Long Service Medal

PO Kiah Whyte
LS Mitchell Bemet

🏅 Australian Defence Medal

AB Lachlan Pearce
AB Adam Hyland

🏆CO's Commendation

LS Neil Beattie

These awards reflect years of dedication, professionalism, and unwavering service to our nation. Bravo Zulu to all recipients!

23/10/2025

Where was Watson this Week?

Members of HMAS Watson recently attended a charity golf day for Camp Quality, raising an amazing $20,000!!!

Prize winners:

PO Beames - Longest Drive 🏌️‍♀️

WO Wheat - Nearest the Pin ⛳

🏆Team Watson with a score of 58 Net:

◾WO Wheat

◾CPO Koroi

◾PO Beams

◾PO Jefferies

BZ to WO Morgan – Camp Quality Ambassador!

Well done to all involved.

22/09/2025

Watson wishes PO Delaney smooth sailing as he embarks on his next adventure at Sea 🌊⚓️

His contributions and dedication to the Watson Hospitality and Catering team will be sorely missed.

Best of luck PO!

Address

Cliff Street
Watsons Bay, NSW
2030

Telephone

+61293370973

Website

http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-watson

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