The life of a Royal Australian Navy submariner is one not many get to see unless they are on the job. However, one Launceston man recently had the experience of a lifetime.
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Launceston's Joseph Richard was chosen out of hundreds of entrants to take part in an opportunity at Australia's largest naval base - HMAS Stirling, in Perth.
The 25-year-old grew up listening to stories of his family who had connections to the Australian Defence Force.
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"My uncle is currently in the Royal Australian Air Force as a squadron leader, and both of my grandfathers have served with Defence in Australia and the United Kingdom: one was a World War II truck driver, and the other a member of the red beret Parachute Regiment in the British Royal Air Force," Mr Richard said.
It was only natural that his family encouraged him to apply for the National Submarine Tour and Competition.
The competition chose 12 winners from around the country to explore a Collins Class submarine, visit training facilities, tackle leadership exercises, and connect with current serving members.
Mr Richard said he had always had a strong sense of patriotism and considered a future in the navy.
"This experience gave me the chance to see if I would be suitable for a submariner's life," he said
"I can't wait to get the recruitment process started and be on the road to becoming a submariner.
"To me, becoming a submariner would be an amazing and exhilarating experience, and the opportunity to learn more ... was too good to miss."
The competition, open to Australians aged 18-35, received over 1235 submissions.
Entrants completed an online simulation test which monitored their ability to take command of a submarine mission.
Following the simulation, entrants were asked to describe in 50 words or less what qualities they embodied that would make them a great submariner.
Director general Defence Force recruiting Brigadier Duncan Hayward said the tour provided a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes.
"If you're looking for an exciting and adventurous lifestyle, with travel opportunities, quality training, unique experiences, great pay and benefits, a job as submariner could be right for you," he said.