Teen in danger zone helps bushfire victims escape

Carla Humphries never thought a fast start into her navy career would involve evacuating hundreds of residents from a deadly blaze just under a year later.

Evacuees from Mallacoota being transported by landing craft to MV Sycamore. Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

CARLA Humphries never thought a fast start into her navy career would involve evacuating hundreds of vulnerable residents from a deadly blaze just under a year later.

After graduating from Meridan State College in 2018, the Caloundra teen joined the navy in April 2019 and six months later had her first posting on a ship.

She said it was “nerve racking but exciting” to be posted to sea on-board HMAS Choules so quickly.

“I thought it would take much longer to get where I am but to be here so early in my career and be a part of this ship’s company is pretty amazing,” she said.

Choules is a highly operational ship, capable of carrying more than 300 troops and operating landing craft and helicopters.

As a boatswain’s mate, Seaman Humphries said she often worked in the dock and also as the bowman on the landing craft.

Seaman Boatswain's Mate Carla Humphries. Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

“We are also responsible for looking after the weapons on board and conducting the normal seamanship routines like weighing anchor,” she said.

“I also work as a lookout on the bridge, keeping watch for fishing or merchant vessels and other things that may be a hazard to our ship.”

Choules is currently deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist and sailed from Sydney at short notice on New Year’s Day.

The ship began operations off the northeast Victorian coast and provided support to communities cut off due to the bushfires.

The ship recently was instrumental in evacuating 1400 civilians from Mallacoota on the Victoria coast during the bushfire crisis.

Seaman Humphries said it was “so rewarding” to be apart of the evacuation.

“It was crazy and sad to hear some of the stories from the evacuees, but it was so good to see our team come together and get the job done,” she said.

Crew members of HMAS Choules help an evacuee from Mallacoota on-board the ship. Photo: LSIS Shane Cameron

“I helped an elderly couple get on board the ship and looked after their dog for them, they were so grateful and said they had no words for how thankful they were that Choules had evacuated them.”

The ship is providing ongoing support at Mallacoota with aviation ground support, logistics and engineering help to the small community.

When the operation ends and Choules returns to her home port of Sydney, Seaman Humphries is looking forward to some time off.

“I’m hoping to get back home to the Sunshine Coast and see my family and friends,” she said.