The Operations Room Association (ORA) was formed on the basis of acknowledging the branch but more importantly the people and special bond that exists amongst those unique men and women that have made the branch special and a privilege to be part of it.
Those that have worn the rate understand the importance of the role and the persons direct contribution to the war fighting capability of our Navy and more importantly, it acknowledges the calibre of those people that have generated the reputation that makes you proud to be an RP !
Since the RP branch was formed, there has been a select generation of sailors that have made not only a positive contribution to our Navy but have been iconic to role and a role model to those that become members of a unique organisation that actually thrives on stress. Bob was a key figure of that generation of RP’s and those that had the privilege to serve with him either as a superior, peer or subordinate quickly come to appreciate that the man was proud of his Navy, his job and would always rise to the challenge without hesitation or compromise. VADM David Shackleton AO, Rtd (Former CN, Direction Officer and Patron of the ORA) he acknowledges Bob’s contribution to the RAN by saying “he was amongst the Navy’s finest and one upon the Navy depended on when the going got tough”. The passing of Bob has generated a gap in the connection to the good memories we all enjoy with our time as an RP as we associate the best of times in our careers with people like him and we cannot imagine what it would have been like without him.
Former CN, VADM Tim Barrett AO CSC Rtd passes on his respects to the RP family and wanted to highlight the point that “the Navy is a family, and we all grieve when we lose one of our own”. Although Bob has left us, his memory will live long within the branch and within the family of the ORA. Fair winds and following seas Bob, your watch is over, and you can stand-down now.
