Sheridan O’Brien
Bio
Sheridan O’Brien enlisted in the Australian Navy at the end of World War II after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper,. The twelve-year commitment mentioned in the ad didn’t deter him. He completed his training in 1947 and was assigned to the destroyer The Arunta until the war’s end. Serving in Korea aboard the Culgoa, an anti-submarine frigate, he patrolled the entire coastline, primarily as a sonarman listening for submarines. After a twenty-two-year career, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer/Warrant Officer II, taking great pride in his contribution to the war.
Video Clips
Naval Career Begins
In 1947, Sheridan O'Brien joined the Australian Navy after seeing an advertisement in the local paper. He served aboard the Arunta until the end of World War II. While walking with his family in a local park, he vividly recalls receiving news of his deployment to Korea. Assigned as a sonar man on the anti-submarine frigate Culgoa, he patrolled most of Korea's coastline during his deployment in 1953.
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Serving Aboard the Culgoa
Sheridan O'Brien recounts the Culgoa's four-inch guns were frequently called upon by the American and Australian armies for bombardments. He vividly recalls hearing the roar of these weapons and feeling the ship shake when they were engaged. While they never found any submarines, there was always plenty to do, especially when they were assigned to their action stations.
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Life Aboard Ship
Sheridan O'Brien felt relatively safe aboard ship, as they never encountered enemy submarines or naval vessels. The Culgoa's array of weapons also helped add to his sense of security. The only truly dangerous moment he recalls experiencing was an explosion of the hot water system while in Japan. While recalling life on board, he recollects being invited aboard a nearby American vessel for a movie on one occasion.
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We Have Never Been Forgotten
Sheridan O'Brien expresses his satisfaction with his contribution during his brief time in Korea. He believes that he and other Korean War veterans have genuinely become part of the Korean family and will, consequently, always hold a place in the hearts of the Korean people.
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