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Female RAN sailor appointed Warrant Officer of the Navy for first time

Female RAN sailor appointed Warrant Officer of the Navy for first time

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has released a statement congratulating Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth on her appointment to the role of Warrant Officer of the Royal Australian Navy.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has released a statement congratulating Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth on her appointment to the role of Warrant Officer of the Royal Australian Navy.

WO Butterworth is the first female appointed to this significant role and only the ninth person to hold this office since its inception in 1993.

The Warrant Officer of the Navy is the Navy’s most senior sailor and the senior enlisted adviser to the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mike Noonan, AM, and his senior leadership group.

"This appointment is reflective of Warrant Officer Butterworth’s outstanding career achievements to date, and exemplifies the depth and diversity of leadership across the Australian Defence Force," Minister Reynolds said.

"I also sincerely thank the outgoing Warrant Officer of the Navy, Gary Wight AM, for his dedication, care and strong advocacy in representing the views and concerns of sailors throughout his career, and particularly so over the last three years."

WO Butterworth enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy as a Stores Naval Sailor in 1989, and has enjoyed serving in various platforms as a Stores Sailor.

These include HMA Ships Jervis Bay (I), SuccessSydneyManooraNewcastle, and a short time in Parramatta (IV).