Empowering Growth: The Inspiring Path of a
Committed Navy Officer

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About the Author

Discover the Inspiration Behind the Words

Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in February 1978, as a recruit medic.

Following training in recruit school he progressed to his initial category training as a medical sailor. This training was undertaken at the RAN Medical School located at HMAS CERBERUS in Westernport, Victoria.

After successful completion of this course (top of class) he was posted to the Hospital at HMAS CERBERUS for consolidation. Following another posting to the Naval Hospital at HMAS ALBATROSS in 1979, he moved to his first sea posting onboard the aircraft carrier HMAS MELBOURNE in 1980.

After several more postings and promotions, an award for Sailor of the Year at HMAS HUON and Instructor of the Year at HMAS CERBERUS. He was promoted to the officer corps in 1988.

During his service, LCDR Lassam performed many medical first aid roles particularly at dog shows. The first serious event occurred when an elderly lady had a massive heart attack whilst showing her Kelpie. At that time Dave Lassam was waiting outside the ring and heard the noise as she collapsed. He immediately went to her aid, performed CPR for a matter of 5-6 minutes until the ambulance arrived to take over. The lady survived and lived another two and a half years. The 23rd anniversary of this event is 07 August 2021. Dave has performed 6 CPRs at dog shows and attended many falls, head injuries, leg and ankle injuries, fractured arms, massive asthma attacks (later storm asthma) and has been available for first aid when he has been in attendance at a dog show and/or requested to provide this cover.

Additionally, he has attended many car accidents and has often been the first medical person on the scene and was able to treat and ensure the best possible outcome for the patients.

He has also attended the Blacksmith’s Convention in Footscray for a two day exhibition, as the medic.

Several postings ensued including Officer in Charge of the Medical School (twice), Headquarters Northern Command in Darwin, HMAS PENGUIN in Sydney and Headquarters Joint Operations Command located at Bungendore near Canberra.

He was involved in a number of operations including Operation Bali Assist in the aftermath of the first Bali Bombings, where he was one of the senior officers in control of the evacuation of injured people from Bali to Darwin and the subsequent move of the same people to other areas in Australia; Operation Astute in 2006 in East Timor, Operation Quickstep with regard to the coup in Fiji in 2006, Operation Slipper in the Middle East, and Operation Catalyst in Iraq in 2008 and 2009. In all these operations, he was designated as the Officer in Charge or Deputy Officer in Charge of the medical contingents that deployed on Australian Navy Warships, or the senior medical representative in two of the land operations.

He has had many highlights during his career including being a medic on HMAS Melbourne in 1981 when the Navy rescued 99 Vietnamese refugees from a sinking boat in the South China Sea; the first CPR he carried out in 1999; being given Command of an Australian Medical Contingent that deployed to the USN Hospital Ship Mercy for operations in South East Asia and Indonesia. This was the first time the MERCY had deployed for a humanitarian mission. (of note, the USN HS MERCY is currently in Los Angeles as a hospital backup during the COVID-19 Pandemic).

Lieutenant Commander Lassam had to retire in 2016 after almost 39 years’ service, due to ill health. However, he still supports the Navy by assisting schools in Victoria on their End of Year Awards nights.

He is also a qualified dog judge.

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Featured Book

Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job: My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy

I joined the Navy in 1978 and was discharged in late 2016 after almost 39 years service. I served as a medic and also a Medical Administration Officer during my time. The book contains my memories of an awesome career and covers many subjects from my attendance at car accidents; reviving people who had had heart attacks; working in disaster zones to give humanitarian aid and many other stories. I wrote this at the behest of many of my civilian friends with whom I had told these stories and also for myself. I have been involved in some of the biggest news stories in Australia including my role in the evacuation of Australian nationals from Bali after the Bali Bombings, to commanding a group of medical specialists and sailors who deployed with the US Navy during humanitarian missions to the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. It also covers my diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prostate cancer which basically ended my career. Dave Lassam Lieutenant Commander, RAN (Ret)

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Testimonials

What my readers have to say...

GM ReadsA very insightful read!
"Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job," penned by Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam (Ret), provides a gripping and heartfelt account of his remarkable 39-year journey in the Royal Australian Navy. Lassam's narrative is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and his experiences as a dedicated medical professional and Medical Administration Officer. Through vivid storytelling, Lassam invites readers into the highs and lows of his extraordinary career, from responding to critical accidents to delivering life-saving medical interventions. His storytelling prowess not only keeps readers engaged but also underscores the unwavering commitment of military personnel. What sets this memoir apart is the unique blend of humor and gravitas, with Lassam sharing both amusing tales and poignant military moments. His storytelling style, flavored with an Aussie accent, adds a personal touch, making it relatable and enjoyable. "Meet Dave Lassam" is a tribute to the unsung heroes in the military and offers an insightful and inspiring glimpse into a life dedicated to service and adventure. Whether you're a veteran or simply appreciate a captivating memoir, this book offers a rewarding reading experience.
Ane SanchezMuch more than a memoir.
To say it is a memoir is an understatement because this reading is an incredible, profound and moving journey through the life of an Australian Navy. It is an easy read but it is very enjoyable because the author is honest and tells about everything, from fun memories of camaraderie to PTSD they face when returning to civilian life. Great read!
MogulTruly captures the essence of military service!
Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job: My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy by Dave Lassam is a compelling memoir that provides a deep and personal insight into the life of a dedicated medic turned Medical Administration Officer. Lassam’s engaging writing captures the essence of military service. His accounts of humanitarian missions and the challenges faced by veterans offer a balanced view of military life. This book is ideal for military enthusiasts, veterans, and anyone interested in understanding the resilience and dedication required to serve in the armed forces.
Phil Bolosnsightful and inspiring
Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job: My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy by Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam (Ret), is an interesting look into the author's career serving his country. Not only did he get the change to serve his country, but it gave him the chance to work around the world and see many places, people, and situations. What I like the most about this book is that it gives a voice to the veterans and current service men and women who are going all over the world and doing fantastic and dangerous things that we never hear about. Commander Lassam has done a great job of giving us details and a narrative that helps us to understand his story as well as those of others. Former service members along with those who enjoy reading memoirs will find this to be insightful and inspiring.
A M GameThis memoir inspires deep admiration for unwavering duty and courage.
"Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job: My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy" by Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam (Ret) offers a remarkable 39-year journey in the Royal Australian Navy. The author's vivid storytelling highlights his dedicated medical service and participation in significant events. His personal challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder and prostate cancer, add depth to his narrative. This memoir transcends military accounts, portraying courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment to duty, eliciting deep admiration for individuals like him in service to their nation. I highly recommend this book.
Yolanda Gómez NiñoDeeply moving
It's an incredible book that immersed me in the military world, more specifically the Australian Navy. I really liked the book; the narrative is incredible and the stories are really interesting, although at the same time, they are very hard to read. Understanding everything that these people have had to go through to serve their country is very strong and makes the admiration even greater.
Clarence JosephLife At The Royal Australian Navy
"Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for The Job : My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy" written by Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam (Retd.) presents the Australian native life from the very beginning of being an accident - Prone boy to many interesting experience in the Royal Australian Navy commencing from 1978 and concluding in 2016. The author narrates his firsthand encounter as a committed medical professional and a Medical Administration Officer providing the readers a glimpse. into the peaks, valleys and obstacles during his career in the Royal Australian Navy, working his way up in the ranks as a brief history as to the various Army and Naval bases/hospitals he was assigned during his services to his country. It was really an entertaining read. Recommended!
Santiago FloresA must read
"Meet Dave Lassam" is a riveting account of a dedicated naval career filled with unforgettable experiences. Dave Lassam's memoir is a remarkable journey through nearly four decades of service, and it's filled with stories that range from life-saving moments at car accidents to providing humanitarian aid in disaster zones. The writing is both heartfelt and engaging. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the incredible life of a Royal Australian Navy veteran.
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