Australian Navy’s HMAS Cerberus Gets New XO

HMAS Cerberus, the Royal Australian Navy’s primary training establishment, has a new Executive Officer.

Commander Mike Oborn, fondly referred to as the ship’s ‘Dad’, handed over dis duties to his replacement Commander Melanie Verho.

Commander Oborn spent three years as Executive Officer and was praised for his genuine care for the welfare of the men and women of Cerberus, his involvement in running bible study programs, attending and supporting club sporting events and ensuring all sailors under his command felt a part of the Cerberus family.

He said:

The trainees, the sailors who come through Cerberus, are the Navy’s future capability. I know my time spent here has been a privilege.

Commander Verho was welcomed to Cerberus and was handed an old T. Cooke & Sons telescope, symbolising that it was now her time to look out for all Cerberus sailors. She joined Cerberus from much warmer climes, having assumed command of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat crew Attack Five in November 2011 with the majority of that time assigned to Border Protection operations.

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Press release, Image: Australian Navy