True Blue Conversations - - Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Release Date: 04/07/2025
True Blue Conversations - Linton “Harry” Harris - 1RAR / 2 Cav Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On Todays podcast, I speak with an Australian Army 1 RAR / 2 Cav veteran. This is a story of the tenacity of Linton "HARRY" Harris, joining the army not once but twice, in his quest for purpose. Harry’s 1st term of service included deployment to Somalia, Africa, as a 19-year-old. Re-enlisting after a 7-year break, Harry's 2nd term of service included 2 tours to Iraq, resulting in the awarding of the Commendation for Distinguished Service. After service, seeking the quest for a purpose that is often an issue for Veterans, Harry rose to the position of VP of the Tasmanian RSL, only to be...
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True Blue Conversations - - Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty...
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True Blue Conversations - Shane Cav 3RAR and Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On today's podcast, I speak with Shane Cav 3RAR and 2nd Commando Regiment veteran. Shane Cav is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force serving 17 years, enlisting into the infantry in 2006. Post training, he was posted as a paratrooper to the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. During his time at 3RAR, Shane deployed to Timor Leste and Afghanistan. In 2011 Shane completed selection and training in the 2nd Commando Regiment to become a qualified special forces operator. Shane deployed on multiple operations as an infantryman and special forces operator, including Timor Lest,...
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True Blue Conversations - Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Jon's journey in health and fitness started when he was young. He was very active in Athletics and was selected to compete in the World U18 titles in Javelin. Shortly after, he received an injury, which finished his athletics career. Jon played rugby league for a few years and enlisted in the Australian Military at age 20 into the Special Forces direct entry program as a Commando. Jon was a fully qualified Commando at age 22 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, 2010, 2011,...
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True Blue Conversations - BEYOND THE DROP ZONE: A PARATROOPER'S STORY
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with former UK 3 Para and current UK Firefighter Andy Williams. Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andy enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous...
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True Blue Conversations - Beyond The Blankets: The Real Stories of Army Logistics
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Today, we’re honored to introduce Warrant Officer Class One David Smith, a distinguished leader with 35 years of combined full-time and part-time service in the Australian Army. David began his journey on July 12, 1989, and has since built a career defined by dedication, expertise, and global impact. Currently stationed at Headquarters Australian Army as part of the Logistics Advisory Team remote in Newcastle, NSW, David provides critical support and advice to unit commanders at the highest levels. David’s career highlights include pivotal roles...
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True Blue Conversations - Former NSW Police Detective Deborah Locke – “Whistleblower”
True Blue Conversations Podcast
True Blue Conversations is inclusive of all stories, this weeks guest had a controversial policing career not by her choosing. Deborah Locke, a former Detective served 12 years with the NSW police. She began in 1984 as a trainee at the Redfern Police Academy and concluded her service in 1996 when she was discharged from the service and deemed “medically unfit” as a result of workplace victimization and harassment as an internal witness, more commonly referred to as a “whistleblower.” During her time in the NSW Police Force, she was stationed at various commands including the notorious...
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True Blue Conversations - AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL FORCES 2ND COMMANDO REGIMENT VETERAN Craig Ball
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Welcome back to season 6 of True Blue Conversations podcast: On this week’s podcast, I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Craig Ball. Craig passed Commando selection in 2000 as a reservist and went full-time in 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan as a signaller in the 2nd Commando Regiment in 2010 and 2012. Craig spoke about how veterans struggle with transition after service, returning from a warzone, and migrating back into civilian life. Today, Craig is passionate about helping veterans and working in the mental...
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True Blue Conversations - NSW Rural Fire Service Area Commander Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this weeks podcast, I speak with NSW Rural Fire Service Area Commander Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White. Kelwyn commenced her service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and, since then has worked across NSW in District, State, and Area-based roles. Kelwyn has been both a salaried officer and a volunteer during her service. Kelwyn's commitment, especially in Community Risk & Community Engagement, is held in the highest regard by her peers and the community. Kelwyn continues to be a proud advocate for engaged communities, playing a significant leadership and...
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True Blue Conversations - Margaret Cunneen SC - “The Boxing Butterfly A Life Of Conviction”
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this weeks podcast, I spoke with Australian barrister & Public Prosecutor now defence lawyer Margaret Cunneen SC. For over four decades, Margaret Cunneen helped put away some of Australia's worst, as a crown prosecutor and, as her profile grew, so did the media attention, Margaret recalls the headline cases that helped establish her reputation, the controversies she became embroiled in. In 2022 Margaret published her autobiography “ The Boxing Butterfly” A Life Of Conviction is a career chronicle of Margaret Cunneen SC—the boxing butterfly who turned the tables on ICAC, amidst...
info_outlineOn this week’s podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the
Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver.
Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP
Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to
Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)
Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and
during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, he was medically discharged
at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, now he volunteers his time to the Clearance DiverTrust.
Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces’ specialist divers.
CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and
underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional
explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Ash is about to take on his
toughest challenge yet, he has set his sights on becoming the first person to swim
the English Channel — in a peculiar backwards manner.
To achieve the record, Ashley will need to swim on his back for more than 15 hours,
not in a traditional backstroke, but dolphin kicking while facing the sky, with minimal
use of his arms.
He said preparing for the 34.2-kilometre swim was as much mental as physical.
The kicking is effectively how I would work in my previous profession, he said.
But as a clearance diver, I will be taking mental resilience into the swim.
The channel swim is set for June 2025 and aims to raise money for the Navy
Clearance Divers Trust. Good luck, Ash, you got this!
This is a raw story owning all your faults and redemption!
To donate to the cause, see the link below
https://ncdt.org.au/donations/sponsor-ash-in-a-world-first-finning-across-the-english-
channel/
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Ashley Semmens
Editor: Kyle Watkins