But Nowra’s Kristy Love is living proof life is unexpected.

The Nowra High School graduate joined the Navy almost nine years ago, graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy.

As a Lieutenant she has served in ships and on shore throughout Australia, and now her job in Baghdad is to plan and coordinate official visits ranging from senior military personnel to members of the Australian Government.

“It is simply an amazing experience to be doing completely ordinary things in an extraordinary place,” she said.

“It is interesting to do a land-based deployment. I went to the Solomon Islands on board HMAS Manoora in 2000, but to actually live in a country for an extended period provides a totally different perspective.

“I enjoy hearing the Muslim Call to Prayer from a nearby mosque. Even the 48 degree days and the American food at the cafeteria remind me that I’m somewhere very different.

“I’m also getting a much clearer view of all that Australia has done, and is still doing, to help the people of both Iraq and Afghanistan rebuild their countries.”

Prior to going to Iraq Lt Love was based out of Darwin and serving as the executive officer / navigator on board the Armidale Class of patrol boats, a job that allowed her to use her Indonesian language skills.

She is the daughter of Gai and Drew, long-time Nowra residents, and recently her mother took on a Navy life of sorts, in a civilian finance role at HMAS Albatross.

In the future Lt Love hopes to return closer to home and family, somewhere near the sea, perhaps as an instructor at HMAS Creswell.

Although she is used to being away from home, Kristy still misses important family events and the things that most people in Nowra would take for granted.

“I’ve already missed my mother’s and one OF my sisters birthday and will miss my father’s too.

“I miss being able to play with my dog, eat fresh food and enjoy a glass of wine, but what we’re doing here is important and I have no regrets.”

Lt Love is due to leave Iraq early next year.