From refugee camp to RAAF excellence

From refugee to earning a master’s degree in business administration, Able Seaman Naffissa Mohamed has been on quite the journey. Fleeing Eritrea at the age of seven, she embarked on a testing journey that took her through a refugee camp in Sudan, on a trek through Egypt and into a United Nations shelter.

Throughout seven years in Egypt, she never lost hope the hope of finding a safe home.

That hope became a reality.

“Our names were on a refugee list and, by some miracle, Australia accepted us and we moved to Melbourne,” Ms Mohamed said.

“Nothing could prepare us for the joy we experienced when we arrived in our new country.”

Tarneit– where her family still lives– soon became home.

The local Eritrean community helped ease their transition.

“From the minute we landed, we had around us caring and supportive people. Our home was ready for us and we walked straight in – it was an incredible feeling,” she said.

Having served in Brisbane in the joint movements section of RAAF Base Amberley since 2023, it was genuine desire to give something back to her new home that led her into the navy.

“I became initially interested in serving when I was learning English in Melbourne– and I wanted to become part of something bigger than myself.

“This is a big thing for me, because with my background as a refugee, being able to support and assist others in need is a big thing; I’ve been there, I understand.”

Ms Mohamed also received the Sailor of the Quarter award in 2022 for outstanding professionalism and team work.

With the backing of Defence and her husband Corporal Akram Saleh, Ms Mohamed said she is ready to pursue doctoral studies this year and is considering commissioning as an officer.

“Joining the Navy was my dream, and yet I’ve achieved so much and have so much more ahead.”

By Jaidyn Kennedy