Lt(N) Camille Hamm: RCN career provides universal life skills
Navy News / January 27, 2021
Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Camille Hamm, from Thunder Bay, Ont., is a civilian registered nurse, soon-to-be qualified physician and a naval officer. She joined the Naval Reserve seven years ago and is currently serving as the Operations Officer at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Griffon, the Naval Reserve unit located in her home town.
“I originally joined the Navy as a Naval Communicator as part of the Co-operative Education Program through my high school and HMCS Griffon,” she says. “I joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) because I wanted to try something different and outside my comfort zone, create new connections, and have the opportunity to travel. After a couple years in the Navy, I made the switch into my current trade, Naval Warfare Officer (NWO).”
“My job is important to me because it has given me many valuable skills that have helped me reach my goals in other areas of my life. Through my job, I have been able to build on my leadership, communication and time management skills, (as well as) learn how to effectively work as part of a team.”
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during my time as a member is spending a lot of time away from home and from my family. A lot of my training took place in Victoria, throughout the summers of my undergraduate degree, so I often spent a lot of time away from home.”
With the support of friends and loved ones, she was able to overcome this challenge.
“One of the things that made this better were the relationships I developed with my course mates and shipmates while I was away. I met some truly amazing people through the Navy and I don’t think I could’ve made it through the challenging NWO training without them.”
Some of her memorable moments include her training on the West Coast, spending time with the Atlantic Diving Unit, successfully completing her Rescue Swimmer Course and sailing on one of the Maritime Costal Defence Vessels in Halifax.
“I have stayed in the RCN because of the people I work with. I work with an amazing crew at HMCS Griffon and coming into work is something I always look forward to. The feelings of camaraderie, inclusiveness and self-growth are all things that I attribute to my job in the RCN. Even while I’m busy with school, coming into work and doing weekend training exercises with my Reserve Unit helps break up the repetitiveness of everyday life and gives me something to look forward to!”
Lt(N) Hamm is not only a nurse and naval officer, but also an athlete.
“I love to run and cross-country ski! I grew up ski racing and continued on to race for my university team throughout my undergrad and my first year of medical school. Last year, I got to represent Canada at the World University Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.”
When asked what advice she would give others about seeking employment with the RCN, she replied:
“If you’re thinking about it, you should do it! If you’re unsure of where you want your life to go, the Navy is an excellent place to start. The Navy has given me so many opportunities for employment, professional development and has given me an edge in my medical school application.”
“I’m so happy I made the decision to join the Forces!”