who's who

Who makes the Young Endeavour all happen? It's quite a crew:

the board   ship staff  office staff

Lieutenant Commander Damien Munchenberg : Commanding Officer

Born in Seymour, Victoria, Damien Munchenberg joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1996, graduating from the Royal Australian Naval College. After Seaman Officer training at HMAS WATSON, and time at sea in HMA Ships TOBRUK, LABUAN and IPSWICH he was awarded his Bridge Watch keeping Certificate in 1997 as a Midshipman. In 1999 as an Acting Sub Lieutenant, he specialised as a Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer joining Clearance Diving Team One in 2000 as the Maritime Tactical Operations Officer. In 2001, he served in the Mine Hunter Coastal HMAS NORMAN as the Diving Officer and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2002. Lieutenant Munchenberg joined Clearance Diving Team Four in 2003 as the Underwater Battle Damage Repair Officer, during which time he completed the Commando Selection and Training Course. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) serving as the Tactical Assault Group (East) Operations Officer 2003 – 2004 and then subsequently as the Water Platoon Commander in 2005. In the execution of these duties he was awarded a Special Operations Command Commendation. During 2006 he served as the Executive Officer Clearance Diving Team Four then saw active service in Baghdad, Iraq during 2007 in the Joint Task Force Headquarters 633 as the Maritime Operations Watchkeeper. Lieutenant Munchenberg then returned to Australia and assumed command of the Landing Craft Heavy HMAS TARAKAN, from December 2007 to December 2009, with a subsequent promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 2008. On the 23rd July 2010 Lieutenant Commander Munchenberg assumed command of the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.

Lieutenant Andrew Callander : Ships Coordinator / Watch Officer / Watch Leader

Kenny joined Navy as a Communicator in 1994 and served mainly on Fremantle Class patrol boats in Cairns. He changed over to Seaman Officer in 2003 and went to Gulf on HMAS Melbourne, and then servd on Hydro ships. He joined Young Endeavour from Cairns where was XO of LCH HMAS Labuan. Kenny was born and grew up in Grafton NSW and he enjoys keeping fit by swimming, biking, running = triathlon (up to half ironman), sailing, waterskiing, and hiking. He is a Loyal St George, Waratahs, and Swans supporter.

Lieutenant Adam Farley : Navigator / Watch Officer / Watch Leader

Adam joined Young Endeavour in January of 2009 after serving for two years on one of the Navy's Mine Hunters. While usually holding Navigational duties on the Bridge as a Watch Officer, every few voyages he jumps on deck as a Watch Leader. He grew up in Dubbo NSW and currently lives in Sydney with his wife Paula, daughter Jaisalmer, 6 and son Taj, 4. He is an avid birdwatcher and fan of Reggae music and Mixed Martial Arts.

Lieutenant Donovan Van Putten : Watch Officer / Watch Leader

Dutchy joined Young Endeavour in 2009 and loves to share the many stories he has about his childhood, which he spent growing up aboard a yacht, sailing around the world. He loves sailing, surfing, and anything to do with the sea. He lives on the South Coast of NSW with his family.

Chief Petty Officer Lindsey Smith : Chief Engineer/ Watch Leader

Lindsey is in charge of all maintenance and general running of machinery and parts onboard. The infamous Rope Races are also conducted by the Engineer, and he also acts a "ship's mum" during voyages. Lindsey hails from Newcastle in NSW and is a keen participant in Hash House Harriers. On his voyages off he likes to spend time with his wife Margaret and teenage daughter Kelsey.

Chief Petty Officer "Chad" Morgan : Chef / Beverage Officer / All Round Nice Guy

Chad joined the ship in 2004 after serving 18 years in Navy, and his job onboard is to provide all meals and catering for the ships crew . Chad's favourite past time is to check and ensure that all proper hygiene practices are in place in the local hotels of the ports that the ship visits. When not on the ship he enjoys flying home to Townsville to spend time with his wife and three young children. Chad's hobbies are train spotting and doing parkour.

Chief Petty Officer "Taffy" Evans : Ship's Boatswain / Watch Officer / Watch Leader

As the ship's Bosun, Taffy is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the ship's rigging and sails. He joined Young Endeavour in January 2009 following a twelve month role with Navy Personnell Training Centre East. Taffy returned to the Navy in 2007 having spent time as a Marine Park Ranger with Parks Victoria. When it comes to sport and competition, he will always give it a go.

Leading Seaman Penny Watson : Watchleader / Navigator's Yeoman

Penny has been in the Navy for 5 years and is in the Hydrographic Surveying branch, where they spend their time collecting all the information needed to create Australia's maritime charts. She was born and raised in Western Sydney. Penny enjoy's a laugh and says she's (quote) not responsible enough for Children or Pets (unquote) !!! Penny enjoys diving when ever she gets some time off.

Leading Seaman Dan Milberg : Shore Administrator / Watch Leader

Dan is a Watch Leader onboard. When he is not on a voyage, he is in the office opening the envelopes, answering the phones and paying the bills. Dan grew up in sunny Mackay in Queensland with his parents and a younger sister. In his free time he loves to watch ONE HD Sports channel, eat Magnum Icecreams, then work them off at the gym. His sporting Idol is Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Leading Seaman \"Snowy\" Laundon : Chef / Watch Leader

Snowy just turned up one day in September 2009 to join Young Endeavour and try his luck at being the Chef. After the first meal we just couldnt let him go! He enjoys cycling, reading and cooking. He calls Cairns home and in his time off he loves to sit back and relax with a strong coffee, and spend time with his wife Linda and daughters Chloe and Aimee.