Kasey Mumford: Life on the Line Veteran Podcast
In an episode of the "Life on the Line" podcast, host Alex Lloyd talks with Kasey Mumford, a former officer in the Royal Australian Navy and Managing Director at Provocatus Pty Ltd.
Kasey shares her incredible journey through her navy career, her experiences during key naval missions, and her transition to life after leaving the service. It's an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. Listen below:
Early Life and Navy Beginnings
Kasey was born in Darwin, Northern Territory, but spent most of her childhood in Canberra.
As her father was in the navy, Kasey was no stranger to military life. Her family's frequent relocations and her father's stories deeply influenced her career choice.
After an initial stint at the Australian National University, Kasey soon realised her true calling was the navy.
She joined the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and began her journey in naval service.
“Australia has the largest area responsible for search and rescue operations, so I think it’s just part of being a great global citizen and part of being a mariner is helping people who are in peril on the sea.”
Challenges and Adventures at Sea
Kasey's naval career was marked by several notable deployments. She served in East Timor, the Arabian Gulf, and Australia gaining invaluable experience. Her role on HMAS Manora during the infamous MV Tampa incident in 2001 was particularly significant.
The Tampa affair involved the rescue of over 400 asylum seekers from a distressed vessel off Christmas Island.
Kasey recounts the logistical and emotional challenges of this mission, focusing on the professionalism and empathy displayed by the crew despite the politically charged atmosphere.
The challenge of the Tampa incident was further heightened when an additional 230 Iraqi asylum seekers were found on a barely seaworthy Indonesian fishing boat called the Aceng.
Kasey expressed that this deployment was the moment she truly got to do what she was trained to do, contributing significantly to her professional and personal growth.
She was awarded her Bridge Warfare Certificate during this time, marking a milestone in her career.
However, the deployment wasn't without its dangers, as Kasey's ship was threatened by the Iranian Revolutionary Coast Guard, highlighting the constant risks they faced.
After returning from this challenging mission in late 2002, Kasey was soon posted back to the Gulf for a second deployment in July 2003.
She continued her work in border protection, further honing her skills and resilience.
During this deployment, Kasey's commanding officer recognised her capabilities and asked her to navigate the ship home, a significant honour and responsibility.
This task required meticulous planning and execution, and Kasey successfully navigated the ship from the Gulf to Fremantle, Australia, with a stop in Goa, India – a task she proudly accomplished.
Another significant moment in Kasey's career was a rescue operation involving two adventure rowers in distress at sea while stationed near Christmas Island.
This mission reveals the navy's broader responsibility in search and rescue operations.
As Kasey explained, "Australia has the largest area responsible for search and rescue operations, so I think it's just part of being a great global citizen and part of being a mariner is helping people who are in peril on the sea.”
Her experiences in these multiple deployments underscored her dedication and adaptability in high-pressure environments, cementing her reputation as a skilled and reliable naval officer.
Life After the Navy
After her deployment to the Gulf and several other significant assignments, Kasey transitioned to roles in maritime training and human resources within the navy.
However, the demands of a maritime career eventually led her to consider life beyond the Australian Defence Force. She married and started a family, finding new ways to stay connected to the veteran community.
Her husband, Dr Michael Mumford, who was an engineer in the army and later studied medicine, began to see more veterans in his general practice.
Many of these veterans had various physical and psychological injuries from their service. He started treating patients at the Southern Cross Pain clinic.
This clinic not only focuses on veterans but also serves a broader patient base, offering a range of treatment methods for those suffering from chronic pain and other conditions.
Their latest venture, Provocatus, aims to provide equitable access to alternative treatments for those suffering chronic pain, with particularly exceptional health outcomes for Australian veterans.
From Naval Officer to Veteran Health Advocate
Kasey reflects fondly on her naval career, appreciating the responsibilities and experiences that shaped her.
She encourages young people to consider a career in the Australian Defence Force, highlighting the unique opportunities and growth it offers.
Her journey from a naval officer to a champion for veteran health highlights the diverse paths one can take after a career in the armed forces.
For those interested in hearing more about Kasey's experiences and insights, the full episode is available above.