Le is among 24 others from this country in Australia's navy. It's his 'true calling'

Le Tran is a Communication Watch Supervisor aboard HMAS Choules. Credit: SBS/Đăng Trình

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Since enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy in 2018, Le Tran has been based in four major cities and attached to three different warships. He shares his journey to his current posting.

Key Points

Le Tran is one of only 24 Navy service personnel born in Vietnam.
His duties involve communication systems deployed during rescue missions.
He is away from his wife and daughter for up to seven months each year.

After six years in the Navy, Vietnamese-Australian Le Tran holds the rank of Leading Seaman and serves as the communication watch supervisor aboard HMAS Choules.

His duties involve overseeing information and communication systems, utilising equipment for ship-to-ship and ship-to-land communication, satellite communication, radio equipment, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

"In a case of a ship accident such as fire or sinking, distress signals are sent, and if our location is nearby, our ship will proceed with rescue," he told SBS Vietnamese.

"I can also use Morse Code, flashing lights, or flags to facilitate communication between vessels when in close proximity."

In his years of service in the field, he has found his "true calling" in maritime communications, inspired by his father's career as a communications officer aboard a Japanese cargo ship.

"I have a great passion for travelling, and my father’s experience motivated me to follow in his footsteps and explore various countries," he said.

Le Tran is among the 158 crew members aboard HMAS Choules. Source: SBS / Đăng Trình

Tran migrated to Australia - from Vietnam - at age 18 to study towards a Bachelor of Applied Finance at Macquarie University.

Upon completing his three-year degree in 2019, he said he worked a variety of jobs including for Qantas Catering and as a forklift driver but that nothing seemed "to fit".

After travelling around India, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka for three months and not finding a job in finance on his return to Australia, he decided to join the Navy.

Most importantly, I feel I am a part of something bigger than myself when serving in the Royal Australian Navy, and I am very honoured.
Le Tran, Royal Australian Navy

One of Tran’s most cherished memories was participating in an Anzac Day parade in 2019.

"During the parade, Australians around us would say, 'Thank you for your service!' and I felt very proud.

"I also took a photo with my parents and sister in my navy uniform. That was a moment I’ll always treasure."

Le Tran's work station aboard HMAS Choules. Source: SBS / Đăng Trình

Another highlight of his service to date was his first ship deployment to Hawaii for joint exercises with the UK, US, France, Canada, and many other countries in 2020, and the chance to work alongside a US aircraft carrier.

Family life impacted by up to seven months at sea

Tran said balancing work and family life, especially with young children, could be challenging in the Navy. His ship deployment schedule varies yearly, ranging from four to seven months at sea.

"Nearly all domestic matters are managed by my wife and parents. For instance, every day, my father picks up my daughter from daycare, then helps her with meals and baths," he said.

"My wife will then put her to sleep. When I'm away at sea, there's not much I can do."

HMAS Choules' sunset ceremony at the Port of Brisbane. Credit: ABIS Jasmine Saunders

His deployments meant he often missed important events such as birthdays and anniversaries but he said, "It’s something you’ll have to accept."

His busy onboard work schedule left little time for homesickness or sadness, Tran said.

Moreover, recreational events (such as raffles) and sports are regularly organised the help the crew relieve stress.

The dining area of HMAS Choules. Source: SBS / Đăng Trình

One of only 24 Navy personnel from Vietnam

As of 1 January 2024, the number of permanent Defence Force members born overseas is approximately 8,365.

Tran is one of only 24 serving Navy personnel born in Vietnam, according to the Department of Defence.

"Diversity and inclusion are critical to the successful delivery of Defence’s mission. It is important that the Defence workforce reflects the Australian community that we serve," a Defence spokesperson said.

"Cultural diversity enhances communication and teamwork, creating a more inclusive environment in which everyone feels valued and respected."

Top 10 countries of birth for ADF members according to the Department of Defence. Credit: SBS

Upon enlisting, Tran underwent a Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment, which he said anyone who exercised regularly could pass with ease.

"However, after officially joining the Navy, the training became much more demanding. We have to wake up at 5am two to three times a week, regardless of weather conditions," he said.

"Whether it's winter or summer, hot or cold, rain or wind, morning exercise is a must. There are days when it’s zero or one degree in the morning, the grass freezes and you still have to do push-ups on the ground."

He said such training built resilience, "not only enhancing physical fitness but also preparing oneself to endure difficulties and hardships."

Tran said he believed that most Navy personnel, and Australians in general, enjoyed sport, so the annual fitness tests in the Navy were also manageable.

The sailors and officers were encouraged to join sporting teams, with the Navy providing time off to practise and compete, and sponsoring flights for competitions.

Source: SBS / Đăng Trình

According to Tran, there are relatively few Vietnamese Australian individuals in the Navy compared to countries such as the US.

Reflecting on his own experience as a migrant from a non-English speaking country, Tran acknowledged that language barriers might initially pose challenges for newcomers. However, he emphasised that with a proactive mindset, one could quickly adapt.