Once More Into the Fray
CO's Cabin - HMAS Bass, somewhere in the Indian Ocean...
He stared at the printout, willing it to read differently. He shook his head and closed his eyes. But when he opened them, the words hadn't changed.
Flynn, M. CDR posted Exec Off - HMAS Kokoda; wef 02 September.
Did this mean that all had been forgiven and he was being offered the chance to pursue his desired command path once again? The Kokoda was the RAN's newest and most sophisticated warship. There had been much public debate over the previous government's decision to build the monster at their rejuvenated naval shipyards in Adelaide. Wasn't an aircraft carrier, albeit one as sophisticated and sleek as the first of the new Flinders Class vessels, something of a dinosaur? But with the ever-growing threat of another global conflict with Australia as the desired prize, the government had held firm to its plans and the first of the new fleet had completed her sea trials last month and was ready to enter active service patrolling the extremities of Australia's borders.
Mike's lips twisted in a bitter smile as he contemplated the irony of his forthcoming position. Was it a promotion or was it a demotion? He had spent the past two years as CO of the frigate, HMAS Bass, and could have reasonably expected his next posting to be CO of something slightly larger. So, was it a step backwards to be relegated to an XO's role, even on the latest and greatest? The position had been designated as a Commander rank. Was he finally being offered some kind of olive branch and should he consider this a forward step towards command of one of the Flinders Class vessels? After two years "in the cold", with frequent subtle reminders of no longer being the RAN's golden boy, was all to be forgiven?
He scanned the paper again, wondering who had scored the major prize of being named CO of the Kokoda. He'd heard the rumours. Who hadn't? But Mike had been in the Navy far too long to pay too much attention to shipboard gossip. He was to report to the Commanding Officer of the recently re-commissioned HMAS Moreton, the relocated South Queensland Naval Headquarters at the Port of Brisbane. This was to be the Kokoda's home port. Knowing from bitter experience that he would not be able to learn anything relating to the Kokoda's new crew, let alone her CO, he tossed the paper on his desk and turned his attention to the reports requiring his attention before he could bring this current rotation to a close tomorrow when the Bass berthed at its Perth base. His time as her CO had been tough, but he knew he'd achieved the task he'd been given – to whip a demoralised crew back into shape, restore morale and raise efficiency to Naval standards and expectations once more.
How fitting, he reflected, his attention straying once more from the paperwork waiting his attention. He had taken command of a defeated crew whilst himself a defeated and totally demoralised Commanding Officer, recently demoted from Captain back to Commander and banished from NAVCOM in Cairns to the other side of the continent. Well, they couldn't have sent me much further away and still be in Australia, he reflected wryly. Only Commodore Steve Marshall had stood by him, challenged him to remain in the RAN, to show the world his true mettle once again, risking his own career to argue Mike's case to the Naval chiefs in Canberra. Mike had faced his own demons, regained his confidence and once again had forged a team who would follow him through the gates of hell. And his reward? To be an XO?
"Suck it up, Flynn," he told himself. "See it as a step back in the right direction. Show them all." His thoughts faltered as he glanced at the photo on his desk – the laughing three year old boy who had Mike's eyes, but his mother's mouth and blonde locks. He smiled, a genuine smile this time, as he picked it up.
"I might get to see you a bit more. Brisbane's a hell of a lot closer to Cairns than Perth." He smiled again as he gently replaced the frame on the desk and finally turned to his neglected paperwork.
Five days later Mike Flynn farewelled his crew after the formal change of command ceremony and walked off the Bass, saluting the white ensign as he crossed the gangway. He did not look back as he continued along the dock towards the waiting car where Steve Marshall awaited him. The men saluted and then shook hands. Marshall subjected the younger man to a thorough gaze and apparently reassured with his assessment, smiled and gestured Mike into the vehicle.
"You've done well, Mike."
"Thank you, sir. That means a lot."
"I'm guessing you're feeling a bit ambivalent about this next posting?" He raised an eyebrow as the Commander gave him a sharp glance. "Probably not quite what you were hoping for? XO, rather than Captain. And with all your years of command experience, too," the Commodore finished calmly, watching the angry flush suffuse Mike's face as his lips thinned.
"Mike, two years ago, your career was in tatters. There were those who didn't want you to command a tug, let alone a frigate. You've shown everyone that you're okay again – that the real Mike Flynn is back. This is a definite step in the right direction. Do this job with your customary enthusiasm and efficiency and you'll be in line for CO of the next Flinders when she comes on line in twelve months' time."
"Am I to be told who my CO is?"
"Yes, Mike. The CO of Kokoda is Captain Kate McGregor."
