At sea: a Royal Navy first 

While on exchange with the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Kaese, Class of 2010 has served as the senior warfare officer on board HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer. 

In May 2025, during Exercise Formidable Shield, HMS Dragon took part in a historic live-firing exercise off the coast of Scotland. The ship launched a specially modified Sea Viper missile over the Hebrides range and destroyed a supersonic missile. It was the first time the Royal Navy had taken on this kind of target, which flies faster and carries out corkscrew and weave manoeuvres to avoid being hit. 

The numbers tell the story. Just 2.5 seconds after leaving Dragon’s silo, the Sea Viper was travelling at four times the speed of sound. It was a major international highlight, and an Australian, and a St Aidan’s girl, was at the heart of it. 

In the ring: Muay Thai with purpose 

Sarah has also made a difference through sport, stepping into a very different kind of ring: Muay Thai martial arts. 

Having recently earned her Royal Navy Level 1 Muay Thai coaching qualification, Lieutenant Commander Kaese has become a vital part of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combat Sports Initiative. The program uses martial arts to engage young people and steer them away from knife crime and street violence. 

“One of the biggest highlights of my exchange has been being involved with the Combat Sports Initiative,” Sarah said. “I fell in love with the art and respect in Muay Thai. It’s a way to offer kids something different: discipline, respect and belonging.” 

For Sarah, the sport is about much more than fighting. “It’s not about anger or violence, it’s about control, discipline and technique. You can’t fight well if you’re emotional.” 

She hopes to bring what she has learnt home. “I’ve learnt so much from the Royal Navy Muay Thai community and I’d love to take that knowledge back home to build something similar in Australia.” 

Recognised at home and abroad 

In 2022, Sarah received the St Aidan’s Emma Betts Alumni Award for her local, national and international service. 

Her work in the United Kingdom has been noticed too. Air Commodore Matt Harper, Head of Australian Defence Staff in London, praised her leadership and community work, saying she “represents the very best of the ADF.” 

This Armistice Day, as we remember those who have served and honour those who serve today, we are proud to share Sarah’s story. Whether in the operations room of a destroyer or in the ring, she shows our girls what it looks like to lead with control, discipline and heart. 

With thanks to Lieutenant Commander John A Thompson, whose Defence News article informed this story