Leading Seaman Pamela Tapim

Pamela Tapim joined the Womens Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) as a steward in Brisbane, Queensland on 6 November 1970.

Tapim's naval career began at HMAS Cerberus, where she undertook her initial training. A posting to HMAS Harman followed, where Tapim found herself serving in the wardroom as an officers steward. While in Canberra, Tapim would regularly visit Sydney to socialise, and it was there that she would meet her future husband Naval Airman Bob Tapim.

The couple were soon posted together to HMAS Albatross, where they spent the following twelve years.

Pamela Tapim discharged from the RAN and chose far north Queensland to settle and raise her family. She maintained a keen interest in the RAN's recruitment of Torres Strait Islander men and women through the Defence Indigenous Development Program.

Leading Seaman Bob Tapim and Leading Seaman Pamela Tapim pose with Sub Lieutenant Clothier after a Macchi jet trainer flight at HMAS Albatross.

Special thanks to Serving Country for information relating to the naval career of Pamela Tapim: https://servingcountry.com.au/portfolio/pamela-tapim/