Anzac Day is a time to pause and reflect on service, sacrifice and the enduring values that shape our nation.
It is a day to honour all who have served and continue to serve, not only in moments of conflict, but through decades of commitment, professionalism and care for those alongside them.
At H&B Defence, that history of service lives on through the people who now apply their experience to building Australia’s future capability. This Anzac Day, we acknowledge three of our colleagues whose combined service reflects decades of commitment within the Royal Australian Navy: Tim Brown, Managing Director, who served for 33 years; Jeremy Antao, Program Manager, with 11 years’ service; and Jay Sri Kantha, Principal Manufacturing Engineer, who spent 20 years both in uniform and as a reservist.
Their stories reflect different stages of service and career, but share common threads — dedication, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility to something larger than themselves. In their own words, they reflect on what ANZAC Day means to them, the moments that shaped their service, and how those experiences continue to inform the way they lead, work and serve the nation today.
Tim Brown AM, Managing Director
We caught up with Tim Brown AM to talk about his 33 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy. Tim talks fondly of an experience during his time as Captain on HMAS Arunta, when renowned artist Bob McRae spent time sketching and painting his crew, and their daily lives.
Jeremy Antao, Program Manager
What was your position and rank whilst in military?
I was a Radar and Sonar Electronics Systems Technician (ETS) for the Royal Australian Navy and discharged as Leading Seaman.
What does the spirit of the Anzacs mean to you?
Anzac Day is important to remember the military generations that came before and passed their learnings and experiences on to me. It is important to me reflecting on what it means to have been entrusted with such a responsibility.
Anzac Day is a special day when I can remember the women and men who sacrificed their own freedom and lives to protect this great country.
How has your service impacted your life?
My service in the RAN has built me into a stronger, braver, wiser and much more patient person. It has opened many doors for me throughout my career.
As the Program Manager for H&B Defence and various other previous Submarine programs, I’ve been privileged and very proud to be able to continue my contribution in serving Australia through supporting the RAN and most recently, the AUKUS Optimal Pathway.
This has provided me with the valuable opportunity of repaying all veterans including those who I served with for keeping me alive and well. I will be forever in their debt.
What is a memory you can share from your time in service
My earliest memories of Navy were through my father’s service in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, which meant I grew up around shipyards and warships. Throughout my childhood, I’d wait on the wharf for my father’s ship to dock, accompany him on board on occasion, and meeting his Navy mates. I’d always consider these experiences and people to be special.
My earliest memory of my service was shortly after my 16th birthday when I joined the RAN as an apprentice Electronics Technical Weapons Systems Technician. I spent most of my RAN life sailing countless nautical miles to many different countries on RAN guided missile frigates, where I maintained Sonar and Radar systems, undertook active operational deployments, jumped out of helicopters, and visited exotic watering holes. Besides the adventures at sea, my highlight would be undertaking technical training in San Diego with the US Navy immersing me into a very different culture.
Jay Sri Kantha, Principal Manufacturing Engineer
What was your position and rank whilst in military?
Leading Seaman Electronics Technician whilst in the Military, this year will be my first year as a civilian after 20 years of full time and reserve service.
What does the spirit of the Anzacs mean to you?
Anzac Day is a time to remember others sacrifice to protect Australia’s and our neighbour’s freedom and way of life, Anzac Spirit is the character and resilience shown by past and current service men and women.
How has your service impacted your life?
Service life provided me a strong sense of identity, purpose, and pride in serving my country, and also valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and technical expertise.
What is a memory you can share from your time in service
Whilst I have many memories of my two operations in the middle east and other deployment, the most rewarding and memorable time in service is helping and guiding young Australians to join the defence force, and then running into them again whilst they are serving, it give me a great deal of happiness and satisfaction.