I was the only Victualler at DSP (Sailors Postings) in Canberra in the early 80's. After two years there, I posted myself to HMAS CAIRNS, as you do. Then a dream sheet for the DARWIN posting was forwarded. A CPOWTR from DSP rang a few days later and said "I just booked you a bunk".

Time on board HMAS DARWIN - I enjoyed every minute, smiles now at chaining down a shit bin, that was intense training for Flying Stations. Things were done so simple then. I was the first QM O/C of Commissioning.

The forward Loan Clothing Store was also known as "The Museum", I had everything on show from US and Canadian flags, Budweiser and Coors beer mirrors, signed baseball bats, number plates and other borrowed thingo's.
All was packed away into empty coverall boxes for rounds, sorry Captain and Swain, smiles.

Only a Victualler could have a "beer Issue" first night out at sea, perks of the branch, I suppose.

Who could forget MOOSE ( ABSTD Luke Posik).

The places we saw: San Fransisco, Disneyland, 32nd Street, Bangor and so many more.

Post HMAS DARWIN - Promoted to POSV at HMAS WATSON only weeks after HMAS DARWIN, then a few more shore postings.

I decommissoned HMAS STUART and HMAS LONSDALE.

Promoted to CPOSN at HARMAN then paid off from ALBATROSS Victualling Office in 2000. All up, 23 years and never played Naval Stores.

NOW.. I retired at discharge and live in TOOGOOM (a small town on Hervey Bay) with my wife and four kids, yes I did get married and still am.

Looking forward to another Beer Issue with the Commissioning Officers and Crew of HMAS DARWIN.