The bridge between simulation and warfare operation
Serco has been supporting the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by training young Maritime Warfare Officers in ship operations, bridge operations and navigation in a simulated war fighting environment since 2012. In addition, Serco has been providing maintenance and engineering design services to the Training Authority Maritime Warfare (TAMW) at HMAS Watson since 2003. Together, our training and technical teams provide an integrated delivery of professional services to the Commonwealth that actively contribute to the preparedness of Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) maritime warfare community.
Serco Operations Manager at HMAS Watson, Cas Van Rythoven, served in the RAN for 24 years, and is still an active Reservist. Commencing her RAN career as a Combat Systems Operator/Supervisor, Cas was later commissioned as a Maritime Warfare Officer and served in multiple operations such as, Operations Relex II, Slipper, Catalyst, Resolute, Argos, Saville and Manitou.
Cas’s shore service had seen her heavily involved in the training environment. Specialising as a Navigating Officer, Cas returned after sea consolidation to the School of Navigation Warfare as a Senior Navigation Instructor and later the Officer in Charge, before transitioning to her civilian career at Serco.
As a key management position within Serco’s HMAS Watson contract, Cas is responsible for leading all elements of contracted training services within Australia.
“Having worked alongside the Serco team while serving in the RAN, I saw the impact this contract has and the people behind it who are passionate about delivering a valued service,” Cas said.
“Serco has allowed me a safe space to transition from full time service to civilian life and use my knowledge and experience in a way I feel valued and be a part of a team full of great people.”
Alongside her role at Serco, Cas is a proud member of the coaching team for a women’s Rugby Union team in the Sydney Women’s Premier Competition.
“I recently planned and hosted a Women’s Coaching Forum, as a collaboration between Navy Rugby Union and West Harbour Rugby Union, with the aim to enhance the development of women in coaching roles and provide valuable insights into coaching female athletes.”
“The forum sought to elevate the significance of Ladies Day, transforming it from a social gathering into a substantial event that acknowledges and celebrates women's contributions to sport - this stemming from the gender inequality in leadership roles in sport.”
Cas has many career highlights, but it is her achievements as a leader, and bringing her work and passion for sport together that she is most proud of.
"As a player, I represented NSW and the ACT Brumbies. I also captained both the RAN Women’s Rugby team and the ADF representative side and am now Head Coach of the RAN Women’s Rugby team.”
“Throughout my career, I received several commendations from my Commanding Officers for both my dedication to work and my leadership.
“I’ve always had a strong focus on people, both in my work and in sports, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Leadership. Recently, I was awarded a female leadership scholarship through Sport NSW, and I’ve just completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course for not-for-profit directors, which I hope to build on with experience in the near future.”
Through the dedication and incredible capability of individuals like Cas, Serco is able to play an important role in supporting our government clients, such as the ADF and the RAN, in delivering positive impact for the broader community.