Australian Navy appoints new Warrant Officer

Australian Navy has a new most-senior sailor with the appointment of Navy’s eighth Warrant Officer of the Navy.

Warrant Officer of the Navy Gary Wight took over from Martin Holzberger in a ceremony at Russell Offices on 29 April.

Chief of Navy Vice Tim Barrett said the role was important and it was the most senior rank a sailor could achieve.

“The person who is in that role is the sailors’ advocate, but equally and importantly, they are my messenger back to the sailors,” he said.

“Their significance is underpinned by the fact they are a full member of the Chief of Navy’s Senior Advisory Council – that person gets to have their say on all things that are important to sailors in the Navy.”

Warrant Officer of the Navy Holzberger said he it was heart-warming to see so many people at the handover ceremony.

“Over the past four years in this role I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to work with some remarkable and dedicated people,” he said.

“As a sailor, I leave this Navy, and the Australian Defence Force, in the knowledge our people are well led; the senior leadership of Navy has given me every opportunity to represent the needs of sailors and, more so, take action where needed.

“Navy has remarkable people – they are among the best this country has to offer.

“Every day I talk about how good our young sailors and officers are and how much better they are than when I joined the Navy – they have given me more joy than anything else in this role.”

Warrant Officer of the Navy Holzberger said he took on the role with one goal, to make a difference for the people of the Navy.

“Only time will tell if I have had any success, but I do know I am leaving a Navy that is so much better than the one I joined,” he said.

“I also know that this is the right person for the role – he has the experience, passion and knowledge to make a difference for our sailors.”

The incoming Warrant Officer of the Navy said he admired his predecessor’s capacity for work.

“I have yet to meet somebody, at least from the sailor ranks, who has been more dedicated to our service – your legacy will live on,” he said.

“We all know that whatever Warrant Officer of the Navy Holzberger puts his mind to he will be a great asset.”

Warrant Officer of the Navy Holzberger was appointed in July 2012, after serving as Command Warrant Officer – Fleet Command from March 2010.

He joined the Navy from Brisbane as a direct entry underwater control submariner in 1987.

Warrant Officer of the Navy Wight joined the Navy in January 1987 and became the first Navy member to hold the key position of Command Warrant Officer for JTF633 when he was appointed to that position in August 2015.

Image: Australian Navy