What’s happening?
Commander Sarah West’s career in the Navy began with an unexpected foundation in journalism.
Growing up between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, she first worked as a journalist and ABC newsreader before entering military service as a maritime warfare officer.
Her first sea posting was aboard HMAS Stuart. She joined the ship in the Maldives after the vessel completed an Operation Slipper rotation.
“I couldn’t believe how lucky I was,” she said.
“Four days RnR in the Maldives for my first sea posting. ‘Join the Navy see the world’ was true.”
The experience set the tone for a career built around travel, service and working alongside people across Defence.
A major turning point came when she transferred to Military Public Affairs.
In that role, she worked with personnel across the Navy and the broader Australian Defence Force to capture stories reflecting the commitment and professionalism of Defence members.
She later served as a team leader in the 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, travelling widely and deploying across several environments alongside ADF imagery specialists.
Together they documented operations, exercises and regional engagements that strengthened Australia’s partnerships.
One moment from a deployment remains vivid in her memory. During Pacific Partnership in Vietnam, she saw Navy surgeon Commander Ravi Mahajani restore mobility to a local man whose severe burns had fused his arm to his torso.
She also witnessed Navy nurses delivering compassionate care in emergency and intensive care wards.
“It made me immensely proud to serve alongside such amazing Australians,” she said.
Another major career highlight came when she worked for the Chief of Navy as Assistant Chief of Staff.
Why it matters
Commander West’s story highlights how varied skills can contribute to Defence operations and leadership.
Her communication work helps share the experiences of serving members while documenting the work carried out across operations and international engagements.
Local impact
Growing up between Brisbane and the Gold Coast helped shape Commander West’s connection to community and service.
Her work sharing the stories of serving members helps the public better understand the people behind Navy operations.
By the numbers
• Two young sons are part of Commander West’s family life, balancing motherhood with her responsibilities in the Navy.
• One grandfather’s act of bravery during World War II earned the Military Medal, an achievement that continues to influence her view of service.
• One Pacific Partnership deployment in Vietnam became a defining experience in her career after witnessing life changing medical care delivered by Navy personnel.
Zoom in
Commander West credits several women in Defence for shaping her leadership approach.
Trailblazers such as Captain Jenny Daetz, the first woman to command a Royal Australian Navy ship, helped set the path for future leaders.
Senior figures including Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin have also influenced her outlook on leadership and service.
She also values the encouragement of her peers, whose authenticity supported her as she developed her career in the Navy.
Zoom out
Her service reflects the growing role of women in leadership across the Australian Defence Force.
Women now serve across operational, communications and senior advisory roles, contributing to the evolving culture and capability of the Navy.
What to look for next
Commander West continues serving as a Navy leader and communicator, helping tell the stories of personnel and missions across the Defence Force.
