City sailor hunts pirates

Toowoomba sailor Tim Naumann is enjoying his time in the Royal Australian Navy.

CHASING pirates and drug smugglers around some of the world's most treacherous waters is all in a day's work for Toowoomba's Tim Naumann.

He and his 180 shipmates are aboard HMAS Parramatta on pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa.

As a member of the frigate's boarding party, it is Able Seaman Naumann's job to help stop and search suspect vessels or come to the aid of boats in distress.

It's a tough job and sometimes a potentially dangerous one.

"This trip allows me to be part of what's making news," he said.

Able Seaman Naumann joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2007 and since training at recruit school at HMAS Cerberus he has been away from family and friends many times.

He is a communications information systems specialist and an expert in radios, flags and Morse code. He also fixes computers and manages internet access, controlling the flow of information to and from the ship.

His thoughts this holiday season have been with his partner Carly and his parents who still live in Toowoomba.

"Recently, the ship has had WIFI installed and since then it has been a massive morale boost," he said.

"I can keep in contact with home via Facebook and Skype."

Able Seaman Naumann and his shipmates have conducted maritime security operations in the Gulf region and around the Horn of Africa, including counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the Gulf of Aden and supporting counter-terrorism activities.

He said he was looking forward to his next break.

"Most importantly, I will be taking a lot of leave so I can spend the time with my partner Carly."

Recently, the ship has had WIFI installed and since then it has been a massive morale boost.